Members of the westside community gathered Thursday night to honor the memory of Cpl. Ronil Singh, who was tragically killed in the line of duty six years ago on Dec. 26, 2018. The memorial, held at the site where Singh was fatally shot, brought together family, friends, colleagues, and community members to remember the dedicated officer and the impact he had on their lives.

Cpl. Singh called off on a traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman at 12:57 a.m. on Dec. 26, 2018. Singh was stopping the vehicle for a suspected driving under the influence. A few moments later he called out shots fired over the radio and that he had been hit. He was shot by Paulo Virgen Mendoza, a 31-year-old Mexican national with a history of DUI offenses. Mendoza was captured after a 55-hour manhunt and later pled guilty to first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Singh was born on April 6, 1985, in Naitata, Navua, Fiji. He emigrated to the United States with his family in 2003, seeking better opportunities and pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer. 

Singh started his law enforcement career as a volunteer with the Modesto Police Department and then served as a cadet and animal service officer with the Turlock Police Department. He worked in Turlock from 2006 to 2010 and then joined the Merced County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in 2010. He graduated Modesto Junior College in 2009 with a degree in criminal justice. Singh joined the Newman Police Department in 2011. 

Singh was married to Anamika Chand, and they had a son who was just five months old at the time of Singh's death. Singh was known for his deep love and dedication to his family, often speaking about how much they meant to him. 

The memorial service began with a moment of silence, followed by heartfelt speeches from those who knew Singh best. 

Lt. Ray Framstad, with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, first met Singh when the two were neighbors. Singh was going through the police academy at the time and Framstad became a trusted advisor.

“Ron was not only my neighbor for many years, but also a friend who I had the privilege of mentoring and coaching through the police academy.,” Framstad said. “I stand here with pride and sadness to share my thoughts about someone who touched many lives and left a lasting impact on all of us. Ron was more than a colleague. He was a brother, a confidant, a source of inspiration. Ron's passion for law enforcement was undeniable. I had the privilege of helping him study during those hard times at the Modesto police academy. I'll never forget the long study sessions, knowing that a successful test meant that I got some good cooking from his mom.

“Ron absorbed everything because he wanted to be the best officer he could for himself, for his community, and, most importantly, for his family, serving as a great role model for his son,” Framstad said.

Allied agencies flooded the scene in Newman following the radio call and took over the investigation as Newman officers raced to Emanuel Medical Center where they learned Singh had died from the gunshot wounds. Framstad was one of the law enforcement personnel that responded to the scene.

“I remember responding to that call for service on patrol six years ago as a sergeant,” Framstad said. “It's probably the most difficult call that I'd ever faced in my 28 years of service. I was in disbelief. I felt helpless as I directed my patrol deputies to this location to provide assistance for Ron.”

Sarah Arroyo, now a police officer with the Turlock Police Department, attributed her decision to pursue a career in law enforcement to Singh.

“I first met Ron when I was hired as a community service officer with the Newman Police Department,” Arroyo said. “I had aspirations of being a police officer myself. After the first ride-along with Ron, it solidified my goal to become a police officer. Ron was always an inspiration and someone I looked up to.

“Ron and I became very good friends over the passing years,” Arroyo continued. “He was always encouraging me, even through the police academy. Ron had a great sense of humor and always made you laugh. I never saw him upset. He was always happy and joyous. He would always find a way to make you smile if you were having a rough day.

“Ron was my mentor and life has been hard without getting to share my experiences with him anymore,” Arroyo said. 

“I was working with Ron the night he was killed and it’s a memory that is burned into my mind forever,” Arroyo recounted. “I as ending my shift when I heard the worst radio traffic that no one wants to hear – that their partner has been shot and the following silence on the radio. I lost someone very special that night, as we all did.”

Singh's widow, Anamika, spoke about the challenges of raising their son without his father. "My son was just five months old when Ron was taken from us. He doesn't remember his father, but we keep his memory alive through stories and photos," she said, her voice filled with emotion. The family released blue balloons and lit candles in Singh's honor, a poignant tribute to the officer who had dedicated his life to protecting his community.

Another speaker, Jitendra Singh, a retired police officer from the city of Berkley, highlighted Singh's unwavering sense of duty and the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge. "Heroes like Ron are not forgotten. They are celebrated for their courage and commitment," he said, emphasizing the importance of remembering fallen officers.

The tragic death of Singh had a profound impact on local law enforcement and the broader community. Singh's death underscored the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers, particularly during routine traffic stops. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced safety protocols and training to better prepare officers for potentially dangerous encounters.

The case also brought significant attention to California's sanctuary laws, particularly SB-54, which limits local law enforcement's ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Critics, including then Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson, argued that these laws contributed to the circumstances leading to Singh's death by preventing Mendoza from being reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite his criminal history.

The memorial also included a touching "final call" for Singh, a tradition in law enforcement to honor officers who have died in the line of duty. As the dispatcher called out Singh's badge number, the crowd stood in solemn silence, reflecting on the officer's service and sacrifice.

The community's support for Singh's family has been unwavering over the past six years. "We stand with you, not just today, but every day," said Framstad, addressing Singh's family directly. "Ron’s legacy of courage and sacrifice will always be remembered."