Mariana Martinez: Wallace provided advice for referees and for life
Re “Deputy’s killing extinguishes a bright light” (Page 9A, Nov. 15): He didn’t deserve to die the way he did. Deputy Dennis Wallace was an incredible person besides being a great sheriff’s deputy who looked out for Hughson. He would give young teens good advice and tried to help them take the right paths. “You will succeed as a nurse,” Wallace told me when I was explaining to him how I was doing in school.
I worked as a referee in the Hughson soccer complex where Deputy Wallace was the president, Social Director and in charge of the referees. Every Saturday, Deputy Wallace would give me tips on how to improve my refereeing skills. When it came to the last soccer game of the season, Deputy Wallace said, “You run the field, mark the foul and keep the game going. Don’t listen to the coaches or parents against what you are fouling; you make the call.”
His words and tips made me more confident. I am extremely sad knowing he won’t be in the Hughson soccer complex next season. Rest in Peace Deputy Dennis Wallace. I will always remember you and your wonderful tips.
The right way for his killer to pay for his crime is with the death penalty. I just hope justice is found for Deputy Wallace.
Mariana Martinez, Ceres
This story was originally published November 17, 2016 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Mariana Martinez: Wallace provided advice for referees and for life."