EL MONTE- On Saturday, June 18, 2022, California Association of Criminal Investigators (CACI) Representative James Potts attended a 7:00 p.m. candlelight vigil at the El Monte Civic Center honoring the lives of slain El Monte Police Corporal Michael Paredes, 42, and Officer Joseph Santana, 31.  On June 14, 2022, both officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at a motel and were shot by the suspect as they confronted him.

“It is with deep sadness that I attended this vigil to pay my respects and to honor the lives of these two law enforcement officers who were protecting their community and responding to an emergency call for help,” said Potts.  “Our law enforcement officers give a lot of themselves each and every day, and in this tragic case, these two officers gave their lives. I ask you to keep their families and their law enforcement family in your thoughts.”

CACI provided a wreath of flowers for the vigil adding to the hundreds of flowers that were placed in front of the photos of the slain officers.

“We send our thoughts and prayers to El Monte PD and to the officers’ families and friends,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “We also thank CACI representative and CSLEA member James Potts for always being on the forefront of officer memorials and vigils.  He has participated in runs to remember, placed flags at memorials for Veterans, completed a chaplaincy course to assist first responders and searches for ways to assist the families of officers.  He never loses sight of the dangers of the job and those who serve.”