Tim Murillo, who spent more than 27 years as a Ceres Police Department volunteer, has passed away.
His death was announced on the department’s Facebook page.
“It is with a heavy heart we inform our community about the recent passing of former volunteer officer,” the department’s posting read. “His hard work and joyful attitude will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with the Murillo family during this difficult time.”
Murillo left the VIPS (Volunteers in Public Safety) program last year due to health reasons.
Murillo often brought his cheerful disposition to public events, such as the annual Christmas Festival where he helped out in various ways. He also assisted officers conduct DUI checkpoints at various times.
Tim was also a fixture at his family’s nursery on Service Road.
The death was felt deeply throughout Ceres where he grew up and was known for his friendliness and willingness to help others.
Ceres Police Chief Rick Collins said Murillo “was always willing to roll up his sleeves and get to work no matter the assignment. He was known to make people laugh with his sense of humor. He and his wife Lorrie often provided tasty treats for the members of our department. Tim will be missed and we appreciate all he did for the community.”
Steve Whitney, another member of the VIPS program, said that Murillo was a “very nice gentleman and knew many of the officers and staff at the Ceres Police Department. He said Murillo would often ride along with uniformed officers on their beat patrol and act as a communications back-up if needed.
“He also volunteered for most every public relations event sponsored or involving the Ceres Police Department,” Whitney said.
Former Ceres Police Sgt. Jason Coley read of Murillo’s passing and said: “Tim had a great heart and was always willing to come in and help with whatever the department needed. God speed.”
Retired Ceres Police Sgt. Greg Yotsuya remembered that Murillo was “always eager to help in any way he could. He went out of his way to make you smile, especially if he saw that you were having a bad day. His commitment to the community, so much behind the scenes ‘grunt work,’ from patrolling the streets and manning posts at major events, to gift wrapping and running to the store for the umpteenth time at the SWAT dinner, Tim could always be counted on. God Speed Tim, thank you for your friendship and loyalty. The world truly is a lesser place without you in it.”
Survivors include his wife, Lorianne.

