[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16235]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    DEPUTY JERRY ORTIZ: IN MEMORIAM

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to honor the memory of Deputy Jerry 
Ortiz, a 15-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's 
Department, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 24, 
2005.
  As a young child growing up in Southern California, Jerry Ortiz knew 
that he wanted to dedicate his life to protecting his fellow citizens. 
So it came as no surprise when he enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly 
after his graduation from El Monte High School in 1988. Only 2 years 
later, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a police officer when he 
joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Ortiz's 
strict work ethic and dedication quickly made him a well-respected 
member of the Department and earned him a position with the elite 
antigang unit at the Lakewood Station. Although this was a formidable 
task with great responsibilities, he knew that in this capacity he 
could truly make a difference in the community and help at-risk youth. 
Deputy Ortiz did just that.
  Jerry Ortiz was an important part of the Sheriff's Department family. 
He was well known for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and 
athleticism on the Department boxing team. Over his 15-year career, he 
became an integral part of the fight against gang crime in the area and 
went above and beyond to protect the innocent citizens caught in the 
unfortunate gang violence in their communities. Days before his tragic 
murder, Deputy Ortiz received word that he was being promoted to 
detective.
  All who knew him said that he loved his job but that he was first and 
foremost a family man. Ortiz spent most of his free time with his two 
sons, Jeremy, 16, and Jacob, 6. He was a sports fan and enjoyed sharing 
this passion with his sons. Only three weeks before his death, Jerry 
Ortiz married his wife, Chela, and those close to him say he was 
happier than ever.
  I am truly saddened to lose this remarkable public servant. Deputy 
Jerry Ortiz died doing what he loved--providing protection for his 
community. He was a leader, an inspiring mentor, a hero, and a 
wonderful father and husband. We will always be grateful for Deputy 
Ortiz's heroic service to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department 
and the community that he so bravely served.

                          ____________________