LAPD Southwest Division Dedicates Memorial and Holds 9th Annual Blood Drive for Fallen Officer Filbert Fil Cuesta

What:
Memorial Dedication and 9th Annual “Fil Cuesta” Memorial Blood Drive

When:
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Memorial Dedication: 11 a.m.
Blood Drive: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:
Southwest Division Station
1546 West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90062

Who:
Deputy Chief Kenneth Garner, Operation South Bureau
Commander Andy Smith, Criminal Gang Homicide Group
Captain Philip Fonetanetta, Southwest Patrol Commander
Southwest Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) Officers
The Cuesta Family

Why:
Southwest GED officers will be dedicating a new memorial for Officer Filbert Cuesta Jr., 26, who was killed in the line of duty. LAPD Operation South Bureau and Southwest Division command staff, as well as members of the Cuesta family will be attending the event.

On Sunday, August 9, 1998, Cuesta was shot and killed in his police car while waiting for backup units to arrive at a large gang party. Officer Cuesta and his partner were ambushed from behind and one round hit Cuesta. Cuesta’s partner was able to return fire. Several suspects were detained and questioned. In the investigation, a shooter was identified and later convicted for Cuesta’s murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Cuesta is survived by his wife and two young daughters.

Southwest Division is also holding the 9th Annual “Fil Cuesta” Memorial Blood Drive, which will be held in the American Red Cross Bloodmobile parked in the back lot of Southwest Station.

For information regarding the dedication and the blood drive, please contact Sgt. Tony O’Brien at 323-290-1410. For additional information, please contact LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.