CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi Police Department honored the memory of fallen Narcotics Officer Sgt. Ruben Almanza by dedicating their newly remodeled office space to him on June 18. Almanza, who was shot while attempting to apprehend an armed robbery suspect on July 27, 1984, died shortly after midnight the following day.
During the dedication ceremony, NVID Deputy Chief H. Bowers presented Almanza’s widow, Irma, with a newly designed Detective Badge. The badge number 5435, which corresponds with Almanza’s individual radio call sign, will be retired and never issued again, according to the department. Chief Mike Markle expressed pride in Almanza’s service and emphasized the department’s commitment to remembering him.
Almanza’s family, including two of his daughters and his last surviving sister, shared stories of his service as a US Army Vietnam War Veteran and his dedication as a Corpus Christi Police Officer. His widow recounted his undercover work, including his alias “Oscar the truck driver,” which led to significant drug busts…