News

Actions

Thousands line procession route to pay their respects to SDPD Officer Jonathan De Guzman

Residents wave flags and hold signs for officers
Posted at 3:58 PM, Aug 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-05 18:58:30-04

LA MESA, Calif. - Thousands of people lined roads and overpasses Friday to pay their final respects to San Diego police Officer Jonathan De Guzman, who was killed in the line of duty last week.

"You know, it just warms your heart that the community comes out for so much support for law enforcement," said Maxine Lynch of the La Mesa Police Department.

RELATED:
Social media moments
Memorial honors life of fallen officer
Photo gallery
Law enforcement from around the nation honor SDPD officer

Lynch was one of about 100 people who lined the Grossmont Boulevard bridge over Interstate 8 in La Mesa to watch the procession as it made its way to El Cajon.

Bridgette Lewin, who brought her three children, said, "It's important for my kids to be here because this is their future, this is their life. They need to show this respect. I talk to them about it, and I told them that bad guys do bad things and we always need to try to do the right thing."

"We can't be without law enforcement," said Kevin Clark, as he stood on top of his vintage firetruck with an American flag in his hands.

"Proud," he added. "Very proud because they're brothers."

"I'm really sad and I'm really sorry. [This] should have never happened, never ever happened," said Lewin, who started crying as the procession approached and passed underneath their bridge.

"This is one way we can show especially his family that he was appreciated and is appreciated," said Lynch.