I would like to adjourn tonight’s meeting in memory of Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Deputy Pedro “Pete” Romo, a 25-year veteran of the department and an important figure in our community, who passed away on Valentine’s Day at the age of 49 after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in December.
Deputy Romo began working at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station in 2004 after being hired by LASD nine years earlier.
Deputy Romo worked patrol when he joined the station and was also a huge part of its off-road operations.
However, most who knew him in the community built a relationship with Deputy Romo during their time at Rio Norte Junior High and Valencia High School, where he served as a school resource deputy for 13 years.
Students valued their relationship with Deputy Romo, who took time to connect with them individually.
He was also revered by staff and faculty on campus.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station put it poignantly when they said of Deputy Romo: “He was a great partner, family man and friend.”
“He always managed to bring spirit to the station with a smile and positive attitude, and he took pride in providing security to students.”
We join all those who knew Deputy Pete Romo in mourning his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Natalie, and his three children, Marko, Sean and Natalia, during this difficult time.