Keith Boyer had a lifelong passion for music. He also had a passion for helping others and served his community for 27-years as a veteran of the Whittier, CA police department. Keith had charm, humor and skills in both music and law enforcement. Early in the morning, on February 20, 2017, Officer Keith Boyer became the first officer to die in the line of duty in Whittier in nearly 40 years when he was shot and killed by a notorious gang member who had been remanded to county jurisdiction due to recent laws passed in California designed to help ease prison overcrowding. The man who killed our friend, brother and band mate, who was a father of three and a grandfather of two, had been released from jail just 8 days before, from his fifth parole violation in several months. Instead of going back to state prison, as was previously the case for parole violators, he was given just 10 days in county jail for each violation thanks to these insane California laws. On February 20th, this monster shot and killed his own cousin, stole his car and was involved in two traffic accidents. The killers own family said he was an "animal and never should have been on the streets." Keith, and his partner, Patrick Hazell, just three years on the force, arrived on the scene, believing it to be nothing more than a non-injury accident investigation, approached this gang member who was parked around the corner, unaware of the previous murder he had just committed, and were shot while in the process of patting the suspect down after asking him to exit the vehicle. Officer Boyer died at the scene, and Officer Hazell was struck by a bullet, but ultimately saved by his vest. Keith's killer was shot by return fire. Keith's murderer was recently arraigned for both homicides and attempted murder of Officer Hazell, among numerous other felonies. Keith served Whittier PD with honor and distinction. His outgoing nature and positive attitude won him friends easily, and that very quality helped guide many troubled lives to a better future. As a testament to Keith's inherent goodness, several former individuals that Keith had either arrested or booked into jail years earlier showed up to pay their respects at his funeral, and shared stories of the compassion and interest Keith showed in helping them find a better direction for their troubled lives. There are countless stories from individuals that Keith either mentored or went out of his way to help. As testament to the many lives Keith Boyer touched, his funeral services attracted a crowd of over 5,000 people. Hundreds more lined the streets of the funeral procession, saluting as the hearse carrying his casket drove by. At least three Los Angeles television stations suspended all programming to cover his services in their entirety. A set of stage-played drums by Beatles legend Ringo Starr was donated to the family and adorned the chapel pulpit. Dutch rock group Golden Earring, whose song we play, sent two dozen roses with a banner that read "With Radar Love," and Taylor Swift also sent flowers on behalf of the entertainment industry. During his time with Whittier P.D., Keith returned to his alma mater, La Serna High School, where he once performed as Drum Major in the Lancers Marching Band, to serve as a beloved campus resource officer for several years, where he inspired countless young people to build a brighter future for themselves. Many of the students looked upon Keith as a father figure. Keith went back to regular patrol duty eventually, in order to have the scheduling flexibility need to allow him more time to pursue his other passion - his love for music. That's what eventually led him to us. Keith's friends, band mates and family are establishing the Keith Boyer Scholarship fund at La Serna, to create a lasting legacy to honor Keith. Mrs. Jones' Revenge, upon learning of Keith's tragic death, re-organized our previously scheduled April 9th concert as a fundraiser for Keith's family and scholarship fund. We searched out drummers with a law enforcement connection in surrounding areas to not only to honor Keith, but to also show our support and respect for Keith's grieving colleagues in the law enforcement community. Upon hearing the news of this concert, the theater had sold out the weekend following Keith's death. Mrs. Jones' Revenge live streamed the concert. You can still make a donation to Keith's family here: https://fundrazr.com/MrsJonesRevenge?ref=ab_e6WUM2 Mrs. Jones' Revenge will be returning to The Old Town Temecula Community Theater on July 15th, 2017, with one of the drummers featured in this performance. Thank you for your support during this devastatingly difficult time, and we hope you enjoy this performance, honoring our friend who we had the privilege to know, share the stage with and create many happy memories with by sharing our mutual love of music with others.

• published: 18 Apr 2017
• views: 375