Final Goodbye Draws Crowds, Tears For Slain Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Sergeant

Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller's hearse gets one final salute.
Photo credit Keith Menconi/KCBS Radio

Fallen Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller was sent off with a heartfelt farewell from family, friends and colleagues during an emotional, two-hour memorial ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Aptos.

Just over a week after Sgt. Gutzwiller was killed June 6 in an ambush while investigating a suspicious vehicle in Ben Lomond, hundreds of uniformed officers filled up nearly the entire football field at Cabrillo College for the 14-year veteran of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department.

The funeral procession for Santa Cruz county sheriff sgt. Damon Gutzwiller enters the football field at Cabrillo College as his memorial service begins. This just over a week after authorities say Gutzwiller was ambushed and killed in a shootout in Ben Lomond. pic.twitter.com/Uihm0VCSEy

— Keith Menconi (@KeithMenconi) June 17, 2020

They spoke of a dedicated family man and committed officer.

"We should count ourselves lucky that he grew up here and made us part of his family," Sheriff Hart said. "He leaves a lasting mark on this community and on those of us that loved him."

The ceremony, which also included a wall of honor and a flyover, drew heartfelt remembrances and many tears.

Authorities now believe that Sgt. Gutzwiller's alleged killer, Steven Carrillo, and an accomplice were also responsible for the slaying of a federal contract security officer in Oakland during a Black Lives Matter protest last month.