Richard Raymond Gurley, 82,

He was preceded in death by his father Richard Gurley, Senior; his mother Mae Funderburk; and his little brother Ronnie Lee Gurley who also served as a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department until his death in 1974.

He is survived by Jada Gurley his wife of 40 years; his son and his wife David and Lisa Gurley of Redondo Beach, California; his daughter and her husband Denise and Bud Stiarwalt of Folsom, California; his baby daughter and her husband Janine and Rob Carnaroli of El Dorado Hills, California; his stepson and his wife Don and Carol Mattert of Chula Vista, California; his five beautiful grandchildren Shane, Michael, Mia, Ryan and Gia; his sister and her husband Linda and Bobby Langone of Stockton, California; and his cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

He was a dedicated father to his four kids, an amazing “Poppy” to his 5 grandchildren and treasured time spent with family. He had many residences throughout his life, but “home” was the farm he lived on with Jada and their animals for the past 37 years. When not on the farm, he relished motorcycle adventures with his wife.  He enjoyed many years tinkering on cars with his brother-in-law Dave and his nephew Bryan. An avid reader constantly learning about the world, he was quick to provide his point of view on all things great and small.  He will be remembered as a Costco loyalist – it was a rare Costco product that evaded his grasp.

Most importantly, he saw life in black-and-white terms, was a strong moral compass to his children and set a solid example to his family by inherently understanding what is right, what is wrong, and living his life within those guiding principles.

A memorial service will be held at the San Joaquin National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 12:30 p.m.  Due to COVID-19 limitations the service is closed to all mourners. There will be a celebration of life for all friends and loved ones when the pandemic allows.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received from the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center.

A PERSONAL VOYAGE TO HONOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICES

Locations of Memorial Plaques for SJPD’s 13 Fallen Officers

Erected by SJPOA

Sergeant Morris Van Dyke Hubbard #21: EOW July 12, 1924
On E. Julian/N. 15th St (South west corner sidewalk)

Officer John Buck #10: EOW April 5, 1933
On Post St/S. Market St (South west corner sidewalk near cobblestone)

Officer John Covalesk #70: EOW November 15, 1950
On south sidewalk of E. San Fernando St (East of Parking Lot 368 at 8 E. San Fernando St)

Officer Richard Huerta #47: EOW August 6, 1970
On Empire St/N. 11th St (South east corner sidewalk)

Officer Robert White #2325: EOW January 27, 1985
IFO 1427 Old Piedmont Rd (on sidewalk next to light pole)/Tumble Wy

Officer Henry Bunch #2076: EOW July 29, 1985
West side of SJPD Sergeant Garage Entrance (North side of building) on Island between entrance and parking spaces

Officer Robert Wirht #1596: EOW September 8, 1988
On San Felipe Rd/ Across the street from 3810 San Felipe Rd (west side of street on sidewalk)

Officer Gene Simpson #1409: EOW January 20, 1989
E. Santa Clara St/5th St (South side of Santa Clara near crosswalk)

Officer Gordon Silva #1512: EOW January 20, 1989
E. Santa Clara St./N. 5th St (North east corner near crosswalk)

Officer Desmond Casey #2705: EOW October 25, 1999
IFO 2021 The Alameda/Newhall St (west side of street just up from curb marked with large rock)

Officer Jeffrey M. Fontana #3702: EOW October 28, 2001
IFO 1103 Calle Almaden (on sidewalk near light post)

Officer Michael Johnson #3718: EOW March 24, 2015
On Senter Rd/North of Senter Creek Ct (on east side of street on sidewalk)

Officer Michael Katherman #3900: EOW June 14, 2016
N. 10th St/Horning St (North east corner)

A MESSAGE FROM SERGEANT JODI WILLIAMS

This past LE Memorial Week in May I decided there was no better time to finally visit all the sites where our 13 officers were killed in the line of duty. It has been a goal for my 20 plus years on this department, but until this year I never did it. I have no excuse except I suppose selfishness of my own life getting in the way.             

The plaques have been in place since 2000 when the San Jose Police Officer’s Association began to have them placed. I knew there was a list made somewhere, but I didn’t have it as a reference, so my only guidance was gathering information provided by the Department in the annual remembrance of each officer’s death.

It took me a while to locate a few, as the locations were not where I expected, but I finally located all of them with the help of others. The San Jose Historical Society’s book had many plaque locations listed, but some had been moved since they were first published.

I have always thought it was extremely important to remember each of these officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of San Jose. Each year in the first week of May we hold a memorial ceremony (this year looked very different), and each year the story of the officer’s death is read in briefing. This year is just a reminder of how important it is to remember one another and the sacrifices we make. During times like these, it can be difficult to remember why we do this, but remember the majority of our community support and appreciate you. Keep your head up and continue to make this department proud.

I ask that each of you take a moment and visit the sites where these officers lost their lives serving and protecting our community. It was truly an honor to visit these sites and see the memorial plaque placed there by the POA. You can find the story of each officer on our intranet and I recommend you read them as you visit the sites.

Thank you for your time,
Sgt. Jodi Williams #3571

SJPD Officer Charged with Beating Driver During an Arrest
For release on September 29, 2020
CONTACT: Jason Malinsky
Deputy District Attorney
(408) 792-2428

SJPD Officer Charged with Beating Driver During an Arrest”

A San Jose police officer was charged today with unlawful assault and battery under color of authority after he kicked a woman in the stomach and dragged her away from a vehicle while she was in handcuffs.
The incident involving Officer Matthew Rodriguez, 36, was caught on officers’ body-worn camera and a witness’s smartphone camera.
The officer – who is on administrative leave – will self-surrender on the warrant and will be arraigned on the misdemeanor charge when the court schedules that first appearance. He faces one year in jail, if convicted.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Officers have a difficult job, but they also should be held to a high standard. No officer should use more force than necessary to take a person into custody. When they do, they not only commit a crime, they weaken the bonds of trust with the community that so many excellent police officers have worked their entire careers to build. The SJPD detectives assigned to this case conducted a fair, thorough, and professional
investigation involving one of their own officers.”

The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. in a McDonald’s parking lot located on E. Santa Clara Street and N. 27th Street in San Jose. Two officers reported that they located a car that was wanted for evading police on two separate occasions, including earlier that day, with a male driver. The officers drove up behind the car, which was being driven by a 39-year-old woman. Also in the vehicle were a female friend in the front passenger seat and two children,
ages 7 and 3, in the back seat.

With his gun drawn, Officer Rodriguez – who has 11 years on the force and was assigned to SJPD’s Violent Crimes Enforcement Team – ordered the driver out of the car. The woman complied and got down on the ground when ordered by the officer. After telling the woman, “I’m going to kick you in the (expletive deleted) face,” the officer kicked the woman in the stomach. He then dragged her for several feet away from the car by her handcuffs. The officer
reported that she was not complying with his commands. Video footage contradicted the officer’s report, showing the victim trying to comply with the commands. The victim suffered contusions and lacerations to her face, stomach, and legs.

The victim was booked into Santa Clara County Jail for driving on a suspended license, possession of paraphernalia, and resisting arrest. She was later released. After a review of the case, the District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against the victim.