08/28/2026
⭐ Santee Hometown Hero Spotlight ⭐ 🇺🇸
Every banner along Mast Boulevard represents a story of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. We're proud to introduce our new Santee Hometown Hero Spotlight series, where we'll feature the inspiring stories of veterans honored through the Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program.
Richard J Spurgeon | Army | Sergeant | 09/02/2011-11/21/2018
Richard was born at Grossmont Hospital in 1992. His family moved to Santee when he was 3 years old. Richard attended Rio Seco School from K-8 and went to high school at West Hills. He joined the Army during his Senior year in 2011 and left for Basic Training shortly after graduation. He trained as an MP, and his initial post was Grafenwohr, Germany. While there, he served with the woman who would later become his wife. Richard also served in Israel, Korea and Ft. Stewart, Georgia. He spent one year at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the Army.
Richard and Catelyn were married in San Diego in 2017, and left for his final post at Ft. Hood, Texas shortly afterward. They liked the Central Texas area and bought a house there. Richard studied hard and was able to test out of the Police Academy. As soon as he left the Army, he was hired as a Patrol Officer for the Belton Police Dept. He was promoted to Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then Captain. He has been selected as Belton's Officer of the Year twice and was the 100 Club of Central Texas Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer for 2023. His family now includes two children, and they plan to remain in Texas.
Want to learn more about our Hometown Heroes Banner Program - https://bit.ly/3RK49vM
