Fallen Riverside County sheriff’s deputy honored as a ‘hero’

He loved riding motorcycles and his work as a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, colleagues, family and friends of Timothy Corlew gave him a final salute.

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A funeral procession departed from Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary in Riverside to Harvest Christian Fellowship, where the service drew an overflow crowd. Some residents waved flags while lining the streets as an escort of motorcycle deputies led the way.

Corlew, a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department deputy since 2016, was killed in an on-duty traffic collision Wednesday, Jan. 8, while riding his motorcycle on the westbound 91 Freeway near La Sierra Avenue.

Corlew, who was assigned to the Jurupa Valley station, collided with a stopped car early that morning and was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he died.

The service for Corlew, 40, was too familiar for the department, which has seen seven deputies die on duty in approximately the past five years. Before that, it had gone 13 years without an on-duty fatality.

The ceremony at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside began with a performance of “Amazing Grace,” followed by words from Harvest Pastor Greg Laurie.

Capt. Justin Rowan of the sheriff’s station in Jurupa Valley, continued the service.

“Given the size of the audience in the sanctuary and the enormous crowd gathered outside, the one thing I know for sure is that Tim will never be forgotten,” he said.

“We will always remember Tim, not only for the sacrifice he made but for the legacy of courage, integrity and generosity he leaves behind,” Rowan said.

A photo slide show displayed moments from Corlew’s life. Chaplain Phil Wozniak led a prayer in his memory.

“We gather here today in a sacred place to honor the names of fallen heroes, and today it’s Deputy Timothy Corlew,” Wozniak said

“For everyone who knows and loves Tim, it’s a great loss, but in that loss, there is hope that because of faith in Jesus, we get to see Tim again,” Wozniak said.

Corlew’s wife, Mercedes, and son, Riley, spoke about his passion for his work.

“He loved being a motor, it was his favorite thing, he just loved riding motorcycles,” Riley Corlew said.

“I love my dad, and I want to thank him for being my dad,” Riley Corlew said. “I’m proud of everything he did.”

Timothy Corlew’s younger brother, Joseph Corlew, also spoke.

“Big brother, give Grandma and Grandpa a big hug,” he said. “Rest in peace and save a seat for me. Until we meet again, you are my hero.”

Sheriff’s Sgt. Andrew Sullivan, Corlew’s supervisor at the Norco station, reflected on Corlew’s character.

“Tim took on every task with enthusiasm and drive,” he said. “The best part of working with Tim was his attitude and his presence.”

The ceremony ended with a traditional law enforcement radio sign-off conducted by a sheriff’s dispatcher.

Deputies saluted when Corlew’s casket was carried out of the sanctuary as a flyover of helicopters honored his life and service.

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