Last Updated on January 3, 2018 by CCAR Staff
The deputy who died Tuesday after he was assaulted following an off-duty crash in San Bernardino was remembered for his charity work and his generosity.
Lawrence “Larry” Falce, 70, most recently took a child on a shopping spree Dec. 16 during Shop With a Cop event in Fontana.
“He was happy, joking and making this child feel absolutely special during their time together,” Sgt. Grant Ward, president of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees Benefit Association, said in a statement.
Ward added: “He was generous to all those he cared about and gave willingly from the bottom of his heart.”
The 36-year sheriff’s veteran died Tuesday. He had gotten into a crash while off duty on New Year’s Eve morning; authorities say the other driver attacked him. A suspect has been detained, but has not been identified, said police, citing the ongoing investigation.
“We are hoping for justice to be served, said Lolita Harper, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s employees association. “He lived a life of service and performed his job as a deputy honorably,” adding, “Somebody capable of this level of violence over a simple traffic accident should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Ward and other deputies also noted Falce’s dedication to his job.
Even in his 60s, Falce worked on the Sheriff’s Department’s search and rescue team, going on long hikes in the mountains.
“The younger deputies couldn’t keep up with him,” said Deputy William Champin, who worked with Falce for about 14 years at the Central Station and came to the Coroner’s Office to pay his respects Tuesday night.
