06/14/2026
On June 14, 2022, the El Monte Police Department, our community, and the law enforcement profession suffered an unimaginable loss. Sergeant Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously responding to a domestic violence call in service to others.
Four years later, their absence is still deeply felt. Their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day as they answer the call to protect those in need. Sergeant Paredes and Officer Santana exemplified the highest ideals of public service, courage, and selflessness, placing themselves between danger and the community they swore to serve.
Today, we honor not only the heroes they were in uniform, but also the husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and mentors they were to so many. We remember Sergeant Paredes’ 22 years of dedicated service to the City of El Monte and Officer Santana’s unwavering commitment to serving others throughout his law enforcement career. Their legacies continue to inspire those who wear the badge and all who had the privilege of knowing them.
The El Monte Police Officers Foundation remains committed to ensuring that their memory endures and that their families know they will forever remain part of our law enforcement family. We stand alongside Janine, Jacob, Bella, Sasha, Jayde, Joshua, Jakob, and their extended families as we honor two men whose courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Though their watch ended on June 14, 2022, their legacy lives on in every act of service, every life protected, and every officer who continues to answer the call.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
Sergeant Michael Paredes #565
Officer Joseph Santana #706
End of Watch: June 14, 2022
Their watch has ended, but their sacrifice and the impact they made on our department, our foundation, and our community will live on forever. 💙🖤
End of Watch, Never Forgotten.
