The Pomona (60) Freeway in Jurupa Valley will now have a special designation in memory of Deputy Isaiah Albert Cordero, a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy who tragically lost his life during a traffic stop last year. This announcement was made on Friday.
A resolution called Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 has been jointly authored by Sens. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, R-Beaumont, and Richard Roth, D-Riverside. The resolution designates a portion of the 60 Freeway between Valley Way and Pyrite Street as the “Deputy Isaiah A. Cordero Memorial Highway.” It received final approval on Wednesday and did not require the governor’s signature.
Senator Bogh expressed her appreciation for Deputy Isaiah Cordero’s unwavering dedication to serving the people of California. She emphasized that this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the selflessness and unwavering courage required of peace officers and their loved ones.
Senator Roth praised Deputy Cordero for his bravery and commitment to protecting the community. He highlighted how Deputy Cordero fearlessly faced danger rather than running away from it.
Bill Young, the President of Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, expressed gratitude for the effort to honor Deputy Cordero’s memory by erecting a commemorative sign. He stated that this sign will serve as a lasting reminder of Deputy Cordero’s service to his community. Young also emphasized that the Riverside County law enforcement community will never forget Deputy Cordero.
Deputy Isaiah Cordero, aged 32, was fatally shot on December 29 in Jurupa Valley, his hometown. This tragic incident marked the first line-of-duty death of a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy in 15 years. Cordero had pulled over William S. McKay, a convicted felon from San Bernardino, for a traffic violation when he was shot.
The assailant, McKay, was killed less than two hours later during a gunfight on Interstate 15, following a pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Cordero’s law enforcement career began as a correctional deputy, working in the jails from 2014 to 2017. In 2018, he attended the sheriff’s academy again to become a patrol deputy and eventually joined the motor unit, where he served as a patrolman from September to December 2022.
