Hector Cuevas, Jr.
ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- It was a somber day in the Inland Empire as family, friends, and community members gathered to honor San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.
The 36-year-old husband and father of two was killed in a crash at the end of a police chase in Victorville last month.
Hundreds of people showed up to pay their respects at the Ontario Convention Center on Thursday. Nearly 3,000 members of law enforcement from all across the state and even out of state attended the memorial.
"He knew when to be a warrior, and he knew when to be a guardian, but most importantly, he knew that a law enforcement officer represented both roles," Dicus said.
"He wasn't just one of the 137 employees at our station; he was one of the hardest-working deputies to ever walk through the station doors," said Capt. Randy German.
"The mission is still the mission, and Hector's legacy and presence will forever live on through us," said Cpl. Dashaun Jones.
“My fears have, sadly, become my reality. I have wrestled with so many emotions, asking ‘why?’ and walking through the stages of grief, still unsure of where I am in the process. Junior has entered eternal life with God, and though that brings me peace, it doesn’t ease the ache of the loss.”
SOURCE: KTLA News
“To know Hector is to know how deeply he loved his wife, Mia, and adored his kids, Noel and Kyro.”
Fallen deputy honored during football game in San Bernardino
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- Family members and friends mourning a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy who was killed in a crash while chasing a suspect honored him during a football game Saturday night.
A flyover capped off the emotional start to the game in San Bernardino. Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., who died last week in the Victorville crash, also played for the Spartans - an all-police and fire football team.
The 36-year-old proved he was a leader in every uniform he wore.
"He was hurt one game and he got to coach... he was just a ball of fire, positive energy, great guy... and he would do anything the team asked him to," said Dee Brown, head coach for the team.
Cuevas' family joined his football family for the ceremonial coin toss.
His absence was felt on the field as well.
For the very first play of the game, the Spartans only sent out 10 players, intentionally, when it should've been 11 - leaving one position vacant where Cuevas would've stood.
"That first play of the game was special. It was special for everyone. We wanted to go out there with ten people on the field... brought Hector's jersey out there... and we wanted to dedicate that first play and this game to Hector Cuevas," Brown said.