Riverside County Sheriff's Office

Today we celebrated the promotion of Communication Director Heather Watson!

From managing the fast pace behind the scenes to helping keep everything running smoothly, this promotion is well deserved.

Congrats on the new role and this next step in your career! 👏

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. We will never forget their sacrifice. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

Photos from the 42nd Annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in Riverside.

Together, we honored the 77 Riverside County law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our communities.

We will never forget the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes or the families they left behind.

***Update***

Due to the , the running portion of the Riverside County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony has been cancelled.

The memorial ceremony will still take place as scheduled at 6:00 p.m.

Thank you!

Remembering Investigator William F. Carter, Jr. • EOW: May 20, 1969

Investigator William Carter was employed with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. He was hired on January 4, 1962. Investigator Carter was assigned to the Indio Station.

On May 14, 1969, Investigator Carter and Sergeant William Rutledge were traveling from Blythe to Indio after working during the morning hours in Blythe. Both men apparently dozed off.

The patrol unit they were traveling in smashed into the rear end of a truck and killed Sergeant Rutledge instantly. Investigator Carter died six days later. Investigator Carter was survived by his wife and three children.

***Update: Mr. Torres has been located.***

______

- Francisco Torres (Frank)

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, investigators from the Southwest Station began investigating the
disappearance of 61-year-old Frank Torres, a resident of Pauma Valley.

Torres was reported missing by his family members on May 12, 2026. During the investigation, investigators located Torres' vehicle abandoned near a local park in Temecula.

He has not been seen since.

If you have any information regarding Francisco Torres' whereabouts, please contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 800.950.2444.

Link to Press Release: https://www.riversidesheriff.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7159

Each May, our nation pauses to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of law enforcement officers. During National Police Week, and especially on Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, we remember those fallen officers who gave their lives in the line of duty and stand in gratitude for those who continue to serve.

We invite you to join us for the 42nd Riverside County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, which honors the men in women in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

4102 Orange Street, Riverside
5:15 pm- Memorial Run
6:00 pm- Memorial Ceremony

The run portion will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. and will be approximately 2.5-mile-long moderate jog that is open to all law enforcement, their families, and the public. Early arrival is encouraged. The end of the jog will lead into the start of the ceremony at 6 p.m.

Parking will be available in the parking structure on 12th Street between Orange St. & Lemon St., along with other open parking areas adjacent to the Riverside Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff's Administration building.

This year, Deputy Timothy Corlew will be added to the memorial statue. The event will also include a Fallen Officer Tribute to all Riverside County Fallen Officers, Deputies, and Agents.

Please join all law enforcement in Riverside County to honor our Fallen Heroes and those they left behind.

We look forward to seeing you there.