San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies filled the grounds of the California Peace Officers' Memorial in Sacramento on Monday, standing in formation as the names of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. and Deputy Andrew Nunez were read into state history. The two fallen deputies were among the newest officers added to the monument during the annual ceremony, as county leaders and colleagues made the trip north to honor their service and stand with their families.
In a Facebook post, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said it had "promised to never forget" and would "stand in unwavering support of the families" of Cuevas and Nunez. The department recounted its role in the Sacramento ceremony and thanked other agencies for showing up in force, a public pledge of solidarity aimed squarely at the families still navigating fresh loss.
Names Enrolled At Sacramento Ceremony
The California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation's enrollment list confirms that both deputies were officially added during this week's ceremony. According to the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation, the event featured a roll call of officers who died in the line of duty, while coverage from the Sacramento Bee highlighted the solemn tone and broad turnout from agencies across California.
Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. Killed In Pursuit Crash
Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., 36, was killed after a high-speed pursuit in Victorville ended in a violent collision that tore apart his patrol vehicle and fatally injured him, according to authorities. Prosecutors later charged Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr. with murder and related counts in connection with the crash that took Cuevas' life, as reported by CBS Los Angeles. Friends, relatives and fellow deputies crowded into memorial services to honor his six years with the department and his work at the Victorville station.
Deputy Andrew Nunez Shot While Responding To Call
Deputy Andrew Nunez, 28, a six-year veteran of the department, was shot while responding to a report of an armed man in Rancho Cucamonga last October and later died at a hospital, according to the Los Angeles Times. Investigators identified the suspected shooter as Angelo Jose Saldivar, who was injured in a subsequent motorcycle pursuit and will be booked on suspicion of murder when he is released from medical care, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Community Reaction And Ongoing Support
In the wake of both deaths, the Inland Empire saw funerals, processions and vigils that drew thousands of officers and residents who turned out to pay their respects. Local coverage and law enforcement tributes have underscored the department's commitment to stand behind the families as investigations and court proceedings move forward, as documented by ABC7.
