El Monte Police Department Capt. Michelle States, left, and Councilman Juventino “J” Gomez present a plaque containing a badge and certificate for US Air Force Technical Sgt. Joseph LaRochelle to his wife, Jamie. LaRochelle – whose last wish was to be a police officer — died on Sept. 22 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. LaRochelle’s last wish was to be a police officer and the El Monte Police Department posthumously granted his wish – Courtesy Photo
United States Air Force Technical Sgt. Joseph LaRochelle had a dream of becoming a police officer.
Known as “Roach” and “GI Joe,” he had already served four years in the United States Marine Corps and 15 years in the Air Force, where he was assigned to the 452nd Security Forces Squadron and the Air Mobility Command’s Phoenix Raven program.
When he decided to become a police officer, he was quickly cut down by a tragic diagnosis: doctors found the Riverside resident had Stage 4 brain cancer. He died on Sept. 22 at the age of 38, just one day before the El Monte Police Department was scheduled to swear him in as an honorary police officer.
On Sept. 27, El Monte City Councilman Juventino “J” Gomez and El Monte Police Department Capt. Michelle States presented a plaque containing his badge to his widow, Jamie Tafoya-LaRochelle, and son, Trent, at the airman’s memorial service at March Air Force Reserve Base.
“This young man dedicated his life to the service of others,” Gomez said. “He served our country honorably for most of his life and he wanted to continue on that path by becoming a police officer. We were honored to have the opportunity to make his last wish come true.”
Vet Hunters Project, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping veterans re-integrate into society, contacted the El Monte Police Department to arrange the swearing-in ceremony. While LaRochelle didn’t live to see his badge and certificate, his family members said they were honored to receive it.
During the memorial service, the Air Force also posthumously promoted LaRochelle – who had served two tours in Iraq – to master sergeant, and his family was given a commendation from State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez.
“Joe loved life,” said friend 1st Sgt. Julio Sandoval. “Because of Joe, the heavens are a little brighter and the world is a little better.”
Aside from his devotion to the Air Force, LaRochelle was also enthusiastic about his hobbies: riding Harley Davidsons, getting tattoos and competing in amateur body-building competitions. He was also a self-proclaimed metal head who adored his two cats, Lear Jet and Kane.
“Joe will never be forgotten,” said sister-in-law Terry Otero. “His legacy, spirit and energy will never die. Therefore, cancer did not win. Joe did.”
LaRochelle is survived by his wife, Jamie; son, Trent; sister Shanan Johnston; and his parents Barry and Jean LaRochelle.
