Artesia News

Memorial Mass for Deputy Jerry Ortiz

 

A memorial mass for Deputy Jerry Ortiz, the Lakewood Sheriff who was shot and killed in Hawaiian Gardens, was conducted by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles, on the morning of June 30.

More than 6,000 law enforcement officers from California and adjoining states for the two-hour service.

Ortiz, a 15-year Sheriff’s Department veteran, was killed while conducting an investigation at an apartment in Hawaiian Gardens. He was working near Norwalk Blvd. and 222nd St. Lakewood Sheriffs believe that Ortiz recognized Jose Luis Orozco, who was wanted for an assault. Lakewood Sheriffs say that when Orozco saw Deputy Ortiz approaching, Orozco ran down a nearby alley and temporarily lost Deputy Ortiz.

Ortiz questioned several residents standing outside, but could not locate Orozco. At a downstairs apartment located at 12215 223rd St., Ortiz spoke with a woman. Ortiz noticed that there was a man inside (not Orozco) and several other women inside the apartment, and asked to see the man’s ID. Ortiz did not know that Orozco was behind door, watching as he was checking the other man’s ID. Through the crack of the hinged side of the door, Orozco allegedly pointed a handgun at Ortiz’s head, fired one shot, and fled. Deputy Ortiz died there at the apartment.

Later, Orozco was found in a bathtub three blocks away.

Deputy Ortiz has been praised by his peers and superiors as “a highly motivated professional who invariably arrived early and stayed late.”

“A member of the Sheriff’s boxing team, he was admired for his courage and tenacity, both inside and outside a ring,” said Sergeant Jeanette Dingillo, Artesia’s Special Assignment Officer.

Immediately after hearing the tragic news, Artesia resident, Dody Bedingfield immediately put her thoughts down on paper and wrote the following:

DEPUTY ORTIZ
I heard the news; it made me feel so sad
Another young life gone, then I got mad
How many more will have to lose,
Before the shooting stops? We need to choose.
He served our country, and did it well,
But his dreams of being a "cop," to all he did tell.
Off to training, and he made it through,
He excelled in all that he wanted to do.
Committed to serve, and protection for all,
A loyal deputy who gladly answered our calls.
Alone in his car that day did he go,
What lead did he have, what did he know?
Had he learned who had done this crime?
But he did not know, that behind the door he would find.
That his fate was sealed, as he stood there.
A gun was fired, by someone who did not care.
The one who did this, he will have to pay,
But not the way I'd like, if I had my say.
He took a life, just now in its prime,
He left a big void, gone before his time.
But God is the judge, and before Him he will stand,
To answer why he took the life of this young man.
So we will all mourn, for the one who we lost,
The man who gave his life, look at what it cost.
Though he's gone, we still feel him here,
In the memories we have, and hold so dear.
Once again we salute you all,
Who serve, protect, and answer our call.
May God be with you night and day,
And under His protection, may you always stay.
  

 


 

 

 

 

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