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.
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.
