Dublin Police Hosting Annual John Monego Tree Lighting Service

DUBLIN, CA — The Tri-Valley community is invited to a memorial tree lighting ceremony to pay homage to fallen Deputy John Monego, who was killed in the line of duty on December 12, 1998 while responding to a robbery in Dublin.

Monego was shot numerous times after he was ambushed by three suspects who had captured and were holding the first deputy who had arrived on scene inside.

Monego was the first police officer to die in the line of duty in Dublin. Monego had been an officer for nine years and worked in Dublin for just eight months when he was murdered. He had just finished his regular shift and was working overtime to earn extra cash for Christmas the night he was killed. His son, Dominic, was 18 months old at the time.

Three suspects were arrested for the robbery and murder. The shooter, Ruben Vasquez, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In May of 2018, retired Deputy James Del Rio set out on a 3,500-mile bike ride to pay tribute to Monego. Del Rio and Monego were beat partners and best friends.

"The bike ride was not just a tribute," Del Rio told Patch. "It was to clear my head. It still sticks with me 20 years later."

Full story:

• Friend Rides 3500 Miles Through 9 States For Fallen Dublin Deputy

The tree lighting will be held on Saturday, December 8, at 6 p.m. in the lobby of Dublin Police Services located at 100 Civic Plaza. Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.

Photo courtesy Autumn Johnson/ Patch from 2011 tree lighting ceremony.