Officer Jonathan "J.D." DeGuzman - End of Watch 07.28.16

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I had the sad honor of participating in the funeral procession and attending the memorial service for San Diego Police Officer J.D. DeGuzman yesterday. J.D. was killed in the line of duty on July 28th. His partner, Wade Irwin was also shot and sustained serious injuries but is recovering.

I cannot publicly talk about the facts of the case because my office is currently prosecuting the gunman. What I can say is that J.D. was loved and respected, both professionally and personally. His loss is a huge one in our law enforcement community. His loss is a huge one in our entire community.

The outpouring of support from the public was beautiful. The eastbound freeway was shutdown for purposes of the procession. Still, drivers on the westbound side had stopped. Many of them waving flags, some with their hands on their hearts, some saluting. Shouts of "Thank you!" kept coming. Members of various fire departments stopped their trucks on the overpasses, firefighters stood on top, saluting the procession. As we exited the freeway and made our way to the church, more citizens lined the sidewalks. Kids held signs thanking the thousands of law enforcement officers who were attending the service. Blue ribbons were tied around fence posts and trees. The salutes, waving flags, and shouts of "thank you" continued. It was really something special.

In keeping with forum rules, let me add this: The sight of 200 motor officers with lights flashing, but no siren, leading the procession of a fallen officer is an emotional experience. It's my understanding that in addition to the 200 motorcycles, there were 600 cars in the procession. Agencies from all over the country participated. The motor officers led, followed by the body of J.D. then his family. Behind them, members from J.D.'s Gang Suppression Team followed by other members of SDPD. All the marked units from the numerous agencies followed then the unmarked units, all with emergency lights flashing. Miles long. I was in one of the cars along with two of my gang investigators.

The service was beautiful but incredibly heartbreaking. More than anything, the words from J.D.'s mom cut deep. I couldn't hold back the tears. When I tried to describe the day to my wife who watched much of it online, I'd get choked up and find it hard to speak. It feels good to share all of this here. Guth, Ferret and Cormanus, I know I'm stretching the rules a bit but I hope my inclusion of the motor officers is just enough to allow this post. The sight of them was impressive, impactful, and something I hope I never have to see again.

Thank you to J.D. and to Wade and to all the men and women who put their lives on the line in an effort to protect the rest of us from those who would do us harm.

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Officer Jonathan "J.D" DeGuzman
SDPD 10/20/2000 - 07/28/2016
END OF WATCH 07/28/2016

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[dsan1964_imp]

Very Sad.. Amazing service...


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[curlyjoe_imp]

Very sad indeed.

[Nemo_imp]

May he rest easy.

[redbirds_imp]

Such a sad occasion but also heartwarming to see the outpouring of support for our law enforcement officers who daily risk so much for the public good. May he rest in peace. Thanks for this post.

[clearviewx]

thank you for your service

[Powerdogg55]

Ending tour of duty. Rest in peace "J.D."

[Rocky_imp]

Such a tragedy; such a waste!
My heartfelt best wishes to his family and friends.

[sourdough44_imp]

Nice write up to a senseless tragedy. Very sorry to hear about such events.

[silverbub_imp]

Thank you for sharing... tragic, indeed,... may his family and fellow officers find grace & comfort, somehow,... in this violent world... too much grief to bear!