Carlos G. Herrera

Carlos G. Herrera passed away May 15, 2026 at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. Carlos was born July 12, 1939 in Redlands, California to Mr. and Mrs. Manuel D. Herrera (Eva Mendez). He attended Redlands Senior High school where he took part in lettering in basketball and other sports until his graduation in 1957. Soon thereafter he married his High School sweetheart Margaret (Betty) Gonzales.

Upon graduation Carlos enlisted in the United States Army National Guard Reserves for 10 years while he also attended college and earned his AA Degree from San Bernardino Valley College and earned various Sociology certifications from Humboldt State University and Cal State University, San Bernardino. He began his law enforcement career with The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department as a Communication Dispatcher and thereafter joined The Redlands Police Department in 1963 working his way through the ranks from Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant and ultimately Police Lieutenant assigned to Patrol Division and Swing Shift Watch Commander where he was the first Hispanic officer in the City of Redlands to obtain the rank of Lieutenant. He was in-charge of the department's Crime Prevention detail and initiated a Community Relations Team building rapport between the police department and the community where he had deep family roots and lifelong friendships. He was actively involved in youth activities in the schools and held public safety and crime prevention round table meetings for college students attending the University of Redlands. Additionally, he helped establish The Police Athletic League Boxing program for youths helping to improve self-image and a constructive outlet. He was a member of the Redlands Elks Club.

Carlos was a trained pianist taking lessons and performing recitals at a young age as he was mentored and prepared to play piano for church services, although Carlos preferred playing the "Boogie-Woogie Blues" on the piano. He was an avid 10K long distance runner with his dog Sarg by his side as he was a participant helping raise funds for local charities. In the 70's he enjoyed playing slo-pitch softball for the City of Redlands Police leagues and during the summers Carlos and his family assisted Lt. Jack Bray to run the concession stand at the Community Little-League Baseball Park. Over the years there were many lake fishing trips and fishing off rocky peninsulas in Mexico where Carlos and his family enjoyed vacations on the beach.

Carlos and his wife Betty made Redlands their home until moving to La Quinta, CA in the early 2000's. After his retirement he continued working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the field of Disability Management, he became a Legal Assistant working with Immigration and Workers Compensation Attorneys At Law. He held a Property Management Real Estate License in the State of California.

Carlos was preceded in death by his wife Betty, survived by his daughter Linda Lara (David), his son Christopher Herrera (Kimberly), six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is survived by his younger brother David G. Herrera, Sr.