Mod note: They've found an IA to lionize story here. Waders and a shovel might come in handy.

OUR VIEW: Immigrant was an asset to our city
Give thanks today for Joaquin Paniagua
August 06, 2011 3:49 PM
WAYNE LAUGESEN
For the editorial board

Give thanks for Joaquin Paniagua, a husband, father and local hero who was gunned down just after rushing to the aid of a victim who was wounded in a botched robbery.

On the violent four-murder night of July 27, Paniagua pulled up at an AutoZone to buy parts with a friend. Paniagua was a gifted mechanic. The moment he noticed a bloodied man lying on the ground near the store, he ran to give aid. Moments later, he took gunfire from the robber, who proceeded to take Paniagua’s friend hostage. The killer ordered Paniagua’s friend to drive him away, releasing the friend unharmed two miles away. The injured man survived.

Few men today, coming upon the scene of violence, would have the selfless courage to help a victim. Paniagua put the needs of a fellow human being, who was fighting for his life, ahead of his own safety and paid the ultimate price.

Our city was better for the presence of Paniagua, who lived and worked here in violation of civil law. He was an illegal immigrant. He needed to be here, to maximize the value of his skills in order to support his wife and three children in El Salvador. We needed him here, contributing to our economy by fixing old cars with honesty and precision.

“This guy was phenomenal,â€