The Riverside Police Department and the local community came together Thursday to honor the memory of Officer Ryan Patrick Bonaminio, who was tragically killed in the line of duty 15 years ago, on November 7, 2010.
Officer Bonaminio, 27, was responding to a hit-and-run incident that evening when he pursued the suspect on foot through Fairmount Park. During the chase, he slipped and fell near a church, where he was violently attacked, disarmed, and fatally shot. Despite the efforts of fellow officers and paramedics, Bonaminio passed away at 9:52 p.m., leaving behind a grieving department, family, and community.
“Ryan’s sacrifice continues to resonate deeply within our department and city,” Riverside Police Chief said in a statement. “We remember him not only for his bravery that night but for the courage, loyalty, and compassion he showed every day as an officer and as a man.”
Officer Bonaminio was a U.S. Army veteran who served his country before joining the Riverside Police Department, where he was known for his professionalism, humor, and dedication to public service.
The department held a moment of silence to commemorate his End of Watch, reaffirming their ongoing commitment to honor his legacy.
“Our thoughts remain with his parents, Gerri and Joe Bonaminio, his siblings, Christopher and Nikki, and all who continue to love and miss him,” the statement continued. “His memory will forever be a part of the Riverside Police family.”