Santa Monica Police Officer Dies In Iraq

10-Year Veteran Cop Killed In Grenade Attack

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- A 10-year veteran Santa Monica police officer was killed during his second tour of duty in Iraq, it was announced Friday.

Officer Ricardo A. Crocker, 39, was killed Thursday in the Al-Anbar province in a rocket-propelled grenade attack, Santa Monica police Chief James T. Butts announced.

Crocker was a captain in the Marine Corps Reserves when he was hired onto the Santa Monica police force in 1995. He had since been promoted to major.

"Extremely fit and tactically proficient, Rick's last assignment was with the Police Activities League, where he served as an outstanding role model and mentor for the youth of Santa Monica," Butts said.

"Rick was the consummate caring professional who represented the highest standards and traditions of law enforcement of this department," the chief said. "He was admired and loved by most everyone that had the opportunity to know him and it was just that, an opportunity, to know Rick."

Crocker was single and had no children. He is survived by his mother Jeanette, father Curtis, sisters Marisa and Maria and brother Carlos.

Another sister, Linda, died 11 years ago.

Although services have not been finalized, and his parents live in the South Bay, he may be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, according to Butts.

Donations may be made to the Police Activities League, in care of the Santa Monica Police Department, 1685 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401.

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