Santa Cruz County 911 Dispatcher 'Rock' Riccabona Remembered

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A longtime 911 dispatcher is being remembered by Santa Cruz County first responders, the community and his family. James Rock Riccabona of Santa Cruz died May 16, and a graveside service was held June 6 at Holy Cross Cemetery on 7th Avenue. He was 67.

"We are heartbroken to hear about the recent passing of Jim Rock Riccabona, a longtime dispatcher, who lost his battle with cancer," the Watsonville Police Department posted on social media. "Many of our officers worked with Jim for several years before he retired.

"Our sincere condolences. May his family find comfort and the strength to cope," the agency continued.

“Rock's personality, work ethic and attitude was unmatched. I had the opportunity to work side by side with Rock as a dispatcher. He was calm under pressure, supportive and was still able to make me laugh. His laugh was infectious,” said Watsonville Police Officer Devon McMahon. “Thank you Rock for all you did for the County of Santa Cruz Public Safety Community and especially Watsonville Police Department; you will be missed."

According to his obituary, Riccabona and his family moved to Santa Cruz from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 1989, where he embarked on a career as a 911 dispatcher. For the next 25 years, he was known locally as "Rock" and was a prominent dispatcher voice throughout Santa Cruz County—always supportive of law enforcement and emergency personnel, according to his obituary.

Born in Long Island, New York, Riccabona served in the U.S. Air Force, and afterward became an air traffic controller. He and his wife, Suzy, who preceded him in death, had a daughter, Kristin. Following his first wife's death, Riccabona later remarried, and that partner, Dee Dee, along with Kristin and a loving service dog, were by his side when he passed last month, according to his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Riccabona's name may be sent to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, 1001 Rodriguez Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.