Las Vegas Police Protective Association

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. Whether you’re on duty or celebrating with loved ones, may today serve as a reminder of the many freedoms we cherish and the sacrifices made by those who have fought and continue to fight to preserve them.

This morning, the Las Vegas Deputy City Marshals graduated three new officers! These newest additions to the City of Las Vegas graduated from the Southern Desert Regional Police Academy. Congratulations to Class 2025-01, and welcome to the greatest show on earth!

On 6/27/25, Undersheriff Brandon Gaede of the Phillips County (KS) Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty while attempting to detain a subject for lighting illegal fireworks. Gaede was 30 and had been a cop for 8 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Congrats to LVMPD Police Officer Michael Freeman, who retired this week after serving our community and the Department for over 24 years. LVPPA Exec. Director Myron Hamm had the privilege of presenting Michael with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association. Enjoy retirement!

Today we remember LVMPD Police Officer Jason Swanger, who died of COVID-19 complications on this day in 2021. He was 41 years old and had served on the Department for seven years. He was a devoted father and husband who dedicated himself to helping others. We will never forget.

In the early hours this morning, we were on scene of an OIS in the area of Lone Mountain and Camino Al Norte. All of the involved officers are OK and are NOT injured. The LVMPD will provide additional information during their video brief.

Many people in Las Vegas will recognize Beth Fisher from her stellar career in broadcast journalism. She recently retired from LVMPD. LVPPA Executive Board members had the privilege of presenting Beth with a plaque on behalf of our membership. Best wishes and enjoy retirement!

Regardless of one’s political views/beliefs, we will respect and defend your right to protest peacefully. Last week, many people did just that. Unfortunately, there were people who saw it as an opportunity to destroy and vandalize property and attempt to hurt police officers.

Congrats to LVMPD Corrections Officer Ronald Rodriguez, who retired last week after serving our community and Las Vegas Metro for 23 years. LVPPA Exec. Director Myron Hamm had the privilege of presenting Ronald with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association. Enjoy retirement!

On June 8, 2025, Police Officer Gabriel Facio of the Apache Junction (AZ) Police Department was killed in the line of duty. He was 46 years old and had been a cop for four years. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and parents. Godspeed, brother.

Congrats to Las Vegas Metro Police Officer Brett Eickmeyer, who retired last week after serving the LVMPD and our community for 29 years. LVPPA President Steve Grammas had the privilege of presenting Brett with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association. Enjoy retirement!

Each year, our Law Enforcement Assistance Fund (LEAF) charity donates six $5K scholarships to the children of our members who regularly donate to the fund. Last week, these six recipients received their scholarships at our General Membership Meeting. Congrats to all!

Today we remember LVMPD Detective Justin Terry, who died in a tragic accident on U.S. 95 on this day in 2022. He was 45 years old and had served on the Department for nearly 21 years. He was highly respected and dedicated his life to serving our community. We will never forget.

Congrats to LVMPD Officer James Coovert, who retired last week after serving our community and Las Vegas Metro for over 28 years! LVPPA President Steve Grammas and Director John Conover had the privilege of presenting James with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association.

June 8 is a historically tragic day in the LVMPD. Today we also honor Officer Ernest May, who died on this day in 1933 and was the first Las Vegas police officer to give his life in the line of duty. We will never forget.

Today we remember LVMPD Police Officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo, who were shot and killed in an ambush on this day in 2014. Officer Beck had served with the LVMPD for nearly 14 years and Officer Soldo for over eight. We will never forget.

On 6/1/25, Officer Timothy Ontiveros of the Bloomfield (NM) Police Department was killed in the line of duty. He was 33 and had been a cop for nearly 2 years. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec F.D. He is survived by his wife and daughters. Godspeed, brother.

Congrats to LVMPD Officer Jeff Toschi, who retired last week after serving our community and the Department for over 25 years. LVPPA President Steve Grammas had the privilege of presenting Jeff with a plaque and a watch on behalf of a grateful association. Enjoy retirement!

Congrats to Las Vegas Metro Police Corrections Officer Danny Deiter, who retired last week after serving our community and the LVMPD for over 18 years. LVPPA Exec. Director Myron Hamm had the privilege of presenting Danny with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association.

On 5/31/25, Baldwin Park (CA) Police Officer Samuel Riveros was killed in the line of duty. Riveros and his partner were ambushed while aiding a wounded person, and Riveros was fatally shot. He was 35 and a 9-year veteran. He is survived by his mother & sister. Godspeed, brother.