The San Bernardino County community is mourning the death of a 28-year-old sheriff’s deputy who was shot to death while on the job.
Tributes poured out for Andrew Nunez, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday while responding to a report of domestic violence, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Outside the Rancho Cucamonga sheriff’s station, wreaths were displayed in memory of Nunez.
“We met him at our house because we had a fraud thing,” said Diana Nadler, who showed up at the sheriff’s station to pay her respects to the fallen deputy. “I was paranoid and he came out and spent an hour and a half in our home.”
The memorial wasn’t set up solely by Nunez’s friends and relatives; community members who were touched by the tragedy showed up in droves to honor his life.
“It hit so close to home,” said Deanna Jimenez, a Rancho Cucamonga resident. “He was just doing his job protecting everybody.”
Nunez was shot in the head while responding to the call Monday midday at a home near 12300 Hollyhock Drive. As deputies approached the home, a man opened fire at them, striking Nunez, according to the department.
“I live about two blocks from there, very close,” Jimenez said. “We could see the helicopters flying over and heard sirens, asking what’s going on.”
Nunez was a six-year veteran with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his 2-year-old daughter and his wife, who is expecting.
Among the mourners who added to Nunez’s memorial was Beni Santiestaban, who was the deputy’s neighbor. Over the year, the two developed a friendship over sports – a camaraderie that Santiestaban now cherishes in his memories.
“I sent them to the Dodger-Padres game in June,” Santiestaban said. “We bought tickets for him and his wife.”
The city of Rancho Cucamonga announced a community vigil will be held in Nunez’s honor on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center.
“The vigil will honor the life, service, and legacy of Deputy Andrew Nunez, whose dedication to protecting and serving the Rancho Cucamonga community will never be forgotten,” the city said in a statement. “This gathering provides an opportunity for Andrew’s loved ones, residents, public safety personnel, and city leaders to come together in remembrance — reflecting on Deputy Nunez’s commitment to duty and the lasting impact he made on those he served alongside and the community he so faithfully protected.”
Source: NBC Los Angeles
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