Matthew Ortiz West Covina: Discover Matthew Ortiz death

The West Covina Police Department is mourning the unexpected death of 27-year-old Officer Matthew Ortiz, who appears to have died by suicide while off-duty on Thursday, October 19, 2023. Ortiz was a former Marine and officer for LAPD and Grand Prairie PD before joining West Covina PD this past July.

On Thursday evening, the department announced Ortiz's sudden passing on their official Facebook page, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague and friend. According to the post, Ortiz took his own life at his home during his time off.

Background and Police Career

Matthew Ortiz was born in West Covina, CA in 1996. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2015, serving with honor until his discharge in July 2019.

Ortiz came from a family of police officers and joined the LAPD in September 2019. He served the Los Angeles community for three years before relocating briefly to Texas and working for Grand Prairie PD.

In February 2023, Ortiz moved back to his California hometown and fulfilled his goal of becoming an officer for the West Covina Police Department. He had been on the job since late July.

Outpouring of Support and Sympathy

The West Covina PD has been met with an immense outpouring of support, prayers, and assistance from the community as well as police departments across the region following Ortiz's death.

Citizens and law enforcement agencies alike have offered condolences and fond memories of Officer Ortiz, praising his selfless service to his country and community. Many have changed their social media profile photos to the fallen officer's badge number - 1901.

Ortiz's family, friends, and colleagues are all deeply grieving this sudden, heartbreaking loss. The police department has temporarily closed its lobby to the public to grieve privately.

Remembering Officer Matthew Ortiz

By all accounts, Matthew Ortiz was dedicated to protecting and serving, just as generations of his family had done on the force. He was driven to follow in their footsteps from a young age.

Friends describe Ortiz as good-natured, quick to help others, and proud to be a West Covina native serving his own community. He is remembered as a selfless individual who honorable served his country and multiple police departments during his short but meaningful career.

Though the circumstances of Ortiz's tragic death remain unclear, he will not be forgotten by the people of West Covina or his brothers and sisters in blue. His legacy of community protection and service before self will live on.

Conclusion

The loss of Officer Matthew Ortiz has cast a pall over the West Covina Police Department, which is focused on supporting Ortiz's grieving family at this difficult time. Though his death came far too soon, Ortiz's dedication to his work and community will always be remembered.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p7%2FKoaybZpOkunC6xLCqZpuRqsCmec6fZJ2dkam1cLnArauhnadivLPAyLNksJ2jqXqku9WipZpdY3Z6pbXSnKavnaJiuqLA06GcsGWfp8GqxoydnJqsmA%3D%3D