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Published September 15th, 2021
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First responders bid farewell to MPD officer
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| By Vera Kochan |
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| A miles-long line of first responder vehicles wind down Moraga Way toward Orinda. Photo Vera Kochan |
In a solemn funeral procession, the communities of Lamorinda observed a visually emotional display of solidarity amongst the "brothers in blue" honoring one of their own - Cpl. Kevin Mooney.
Mooney passed away on Aug. 21, after a courageous battle with COVID-19 and related complications. He was 58 years old; a husband, father and grandfather.
He served his country for 29 years as a member of the United States Marine Corp, rising to the rank of Major before retiring from the military in 2010. He continued his service in the protection of communities for 21 years as a Contra Costa County Sheriff's Deputy, followed by more than six years as an officer with the city of Orinda, before joining the Moraga Police Department in 2013, where he was a detective.
Besides being a rangemaster, a field training officer, and president of the Moraga Police Officers Association, Mooney was the local organizer for the annual Toys for Tots drive - a cause that was very close to his heart.
Funeral services were held on Sept. 8 at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Moraga (where he was a resident). The funeral procession began at approximately 12:30 p.m. with several police motorcycles leading the route along Moraga Way toward Orinda and onto Highway 24, escorting Mooney to his final resting place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette.
Dozens of police vehicles followed behind, with red and blue lights flashing, representing law enforcement from Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville, Concord, Martinez, San Ramon, Kensington, Napa, Hercules, East Bay Regional Park Police, Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, Bay Area Rapid Transit Police and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District.
There were no sirens blaring to disturb the stillness in the air. The quiet respect of those vehicles passing through Lamorinda neighborhoods to their final destination drew a hush from the bystanders waiting to pay their silent respects and added to the reality of the occasion. Some citizens held American flags, others clutched banners that they deemed significant for the moment, construction workers took off their hardhats, and fire engines lined overpasses, while the majority of folks simply stood in the hot sun just to say goodbye.
Both Moraga's town council and Orinda's city council, as well as members of Lafayette's Emergency Preparedness Commission took time to mention Mooney at recent meetings held prior to the memorial procession, offering their condolences and commenting on Mooney's service to the Lamorinda community.
Orinda Mayor Amy Worth spoke of Mooney's tremendous career in the Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Marines, and also through the town of Moraga. "Although Moraga is claiming him now because he most recently was with Moraga, we have such fond memories and experiences of him serving as a police officer through a contract with the Sheriff's department for many years in Orinda," she said. "He was deeply devoted to community service. He worked a lot with the youth in our community, he worked with the schools, he was just a fantastic officer who knew all of the community and was really devoted. When he came back from one of his tours of duty in Iraq, we asked the Sheriff if he could return to Orinda because he was such a beloved officer."
Moraga Police Chief Jon King gave a brief testimonial during the town council's Aug. 25 meeting. "I've referred to him as a relentless pursuer of criminals and a fierce advocate for victims. One of the greatest compliments I can give to anybody is the fact that, if God forbid, something happened to a member of my family, Kevin is somebody I would want investigating that crime, taking care of my family member and catching the bad guy."
Equal praise was spoken by Orinda Police Chief David Cook during the Sept. 7 city council meeting. "In 2000 or 2001, when I was going through training, learning to become a patrol deputy for the sheriff's office, one of my training assignments was in Orinda, and Kevin was one of the officers I worked with. I'm sitting here with my wife tonight, who used to be an Orinda police officer and was one of Kevin's partners. He was an incredible guy, and he's going to be sorely missed."
Donations can be made to Cpl. Mooney's family through the Fund a Hero program at Kevin Mooney Memorial Fund. https://porac.org/fundraiser/kevin-mooney-memorial-fund |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA