Ernesto "Ernie" Gomez ID #135 (badge #673) became an Officer with the El Paso Police Department on March 30, 1964.  He was an active officer for the City of El Paso and in 1987 he was diagnosed with cancer and ultimately lost his battle to the disease.  During Ernie’s time of medical need, EPPD Officers "passed around the hat" and raised funds to assist him with his treatments and other unexpected expenses.  When Ernie passed away, his name was memorialized by the EPMPOA in remembrance of his service, and thus the "Ernie Gomez Relief Fund.”