Tears of Blue: RIP Officers Garza & Chavez

Saturday, July 11 2020, was a day just like any other day. Police Officers Garza and Chavez left their homes, left their families to go to off to work. During their shift, the police officers were sent to sort out a domestic disturbance call. The police officers talk with family members. They were concerned about one of their relatives. The police officers went to the home of the relative. The officers knocked. The door opened, and Mr. Caramillo ambushed the officers. He fatally shot both officers. Neither officer had time to react--they were not able to draw their weapons; they were not able to call for help.

When Officers Chavez and Garza failed to report back to the dispatcher, two additional officers were sent to the scene as back-up. The back-up unit stumbled upon their colleagues. They were unresponsive...they were dead. A standoff with Mr. Caramillo ensued. Ultimately, Mr. Caramillo turned the gun on himself and pulled the trigger.

As news of this horrific event ripped through the community, support from around the state poured in. A make-shift memorial was created. Scores of officers and civilians saluted the fallen officers as they made their way from the medical center (where they were pronounced dead) to a funeral home. Amazing Grace was played off in the distance on bagpipes as the caravan slowly made its way through the streets.

When it seems the rest of the nation is on fire and is in mass chaos, it is comforting to know there is at least one area of the country where honor and respect still exist.

Yesterday, the fallen heroes were laid to rest. The large auditorium was completely full. The news media covered the event. Never has there been a finer celebration of life for two amazing officers, fathers, husbands, sons and men of valor.

It deeply grieves me that this horrible incident occurred--one which did not need to happen. But I am proud the community has rallied together to help these police officers' families and the police department as they mourn the death of loved ones. Tragedies are devastating, but together we can build on sorrow to create a better tomorrow.

In loving memory of Officer Chavez and Officer Garza.