Officer Desha was gay and open about it. A couple of media reports mentioned her "life partner," who is also an LAPD officer in the San Fernando Valley, and who responded to the scene of the accident, therefore being there when her partner's body was removed from the wreckage. Other than that, there has been no mention of this fact, except for an article on the Advocate Magazine website.

She was headed home. She was an accomplished, popular and dedicated public servant. So why is this important? It is very important and very relevant because the voters of CA are getting ready to decide whether or not gay men and lesbians get to keep the same rights as all other Californians made possible by the Supreme Court decision this spring---the right to marry and establish legally-recognized relationships like everyone else.

You see, gay people are everyone and everywhere---even, tragically, sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It will never be the same going down to my moms and Manuel not coming around to call my wife a fag. I will cherish all the great times we all had together. He touched many peoples hearts and lives. Even though you may be gone YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. We all love you and may your soul rest in peace.

Im sorry that this happened Jacob was a very nice guy.I wish i could be there.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mr grace i wanted you to see me on stage
since we always talked about it well, i hope
you can see me from up there. You will always be
remembered at roosevelt middle school

R.I.P

When I think back to Chris's childhood there is a memory that stands out from the rest. I remember one early morning back in the old Market street home in Lockport, I was awakened by someone pretending to be a rock star. Chris was outside on a small hill overlooking the neighbor's driveway, singing (or at least attempting to sing) 'Hot Blooded' by Foreigner. He had a piece of wood in his hands that he was using for his guitar and he kept singing the same words over and over again, probably because he didn't know the rest of them. I'm not sure how old he was at the time, 20 or 21, ha ha just kidding, I believe he was around 8 or 9 years old. I remember the camping trips we went on with Chris's family and Grandma down at Indian Falls Lake. Taking in all the fun activities that campers do plus playing with the toy army men; taking sides and using pebbles to knock down the opponent's men.
As time has passed we had gotten older, but still remained close along with your brothers and cousins always looking forward to the family gatherings. I especially looked forward to the pick-up basketball games at your parents place. You were pretty darn good, but I have to admit I would let you win just so you would think you were better than the old man, ha ha!!!
Can't forget all those 4th of July parties and all the good times we all had at them through rain or shine or wind or snow or all of the above! The football, kickball and volleyball games were always a blast when you were there. Oh and the pick-up football games at Ma's place at Christmas too. And don't forget that magical night around the dinner table with, ah yes, the fart tape. Boy that was a Christmas to remember.
There will always be an empty spot on those playing fields and in my heart for you. You were more like a brother to me. I can't even begin to think about how much I will miss you.
Sharon, Samantha, Katie, May God give you strength through these difficult times. We are so blessed to have you in our family.
Chris, my nephew, my brother, my good friend, thanks for all the wonderful memories. God bless.

PETE MADE ME FEEL VERY WELCOMED TO HIS FAMILY SOME 15 YEARS AGO,EVEN THOUGH I WAS DATING HIS LITTLE SISTER.HIS DEVOTION TO HIS FAMILY WAS IMPECABLE. THE DESSERTS HE MADE FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS WERE INCREDABLE.I WAS FORTUNATE TO GO DEEP SEA FISHING WITH HIM IT WAS FANTASTIC HE TOOK MY MONEY AT TEXAS HOLD EM ON THE WAY OUT TO SEA AND THE WAY BACK.HE TRULLY WILL BE MISSED.THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS LEFT ACOMMENT ABOUT PETE.MY DEEPEST SEMPATHY TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES IN THIS TERRIBLE TRADEGY.

Todd and I met Walt and Jenny when we moved into our new houses in 1986. We were both young couples starting our families. Jenny and I were pregnant together with our sons Casey (theirs) and Steve (ours). The boys spent lots of time in and out of each others homes until we moved in 2000. The Fuller home was a happy place for my son, as comfortable as his own. Jenny and Walt have blessed our lives as they have countless others with their smiles, their warmth and their abiding faith. I am thankful for the blessing they have been to us. I am so profoundly sorry for this loss. My heart and prayers are with you all. Love, Shari

My uncle was one of the most unique people i have ever known. He was always making people laugh even when he wasn't trying to by his amazing sense of humor. We were all looking forward to having him close by because through most of my life he was away in Utah but that changed when he met Andrea. She was a true blessing in disguise by bringing a loved one closer to his family and making him a happier, more enjoyable person to be around. I know I speak for my family and anyone who ever met you Chuck by saying, "we love you and you will never be forgotten."

I will never forget Chuck from way back when :) My condolences go out to his family. I am so very very sorry for your loss.

It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.

With Loving Memories