March 21, 2014

Ricky Del Fiorentino - Law Enforcement - California

Ricky Del Fiorentino
Deputy Sheriff Rick Del Fiorentino, age 48, died in the line of duty on March 19, 2014, in Cleone, California.

Rick was a member of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. He had 26 years of service in law enforcement. 


He was known as Ricky to his family and friends.

Officers from multiple agencies were searching for Ricardo Chaney, age 32, of Oregon. He had stolen a BMW in Eugene, Oregon and forced the car's occupants into the trunk. They later escaped.

Ricardo Chaney shot at a store owner near Leggett, California.  He is also a suspect in the death of George Wasson, age 79, a retired teacher, whose body was found in his burning house in Eugene, Oregon. 


Ricardo Chaney
At about noon, Deputy Del Fiorentino came across Chaney's car on a dirt road in the town of Cleone, just north of Fort Bragg. Chaney fired multiple rounds at Deputy Del Fiorentino, fatally wounding him before the officer had a chance to exit his vehicle.

A Fort Bragg police officer, who heard the gunfire, responded to the scene to discover Chaney going through Deputy Del Fiorentino's patrol car. The officer shot and killed Ricardo Chaney.

Rick attended Napa High School in the early 1980's.  He excelled at
Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray
for Ricky
football and wrestling and won several championships. 


High School officials stated that he was a great athlete, was well-liked by everybody and was humble about his achievements in sports. 

Rick Del Fiorentino had worked as a wrestling coach at Fort Bragg High School. He began as a deputy with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office in 1988, spent 10 years with the Fort Bragg Police Department and returned to the Sheriff's Office in 2000.

The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office is in mourning over the death of their brother. Comrades describe him as a great guy and a well-respected officer.  He will be missed.

Rick is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members.

Thank you for your service to the public, Rick.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

God save us from the Lost Ones who stalk the Earth stealing away life.

Pray that Rick is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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