SAN DIEGO — The funeral services and procession for fallen San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar took place Saturday morning, September 21.
Family, friends and the San Diego Police Department gathered to mourn the loss of Machitar with a public procession that began at Snapdragon Stadium and ended at Shadow Mountain Church in El Cajon.
Memorial for Officer Austin Machitar
The memorial for Machitar was live-streamed by Shadow Mountain Church:
Remembering Officer Austin Machitar
Officer Machitar was killed on August 26 after a suspect involved in a prior chase slammed into his police SUV. The other officer in the vehicle, Zachary Martinez, suffered burns, a broken neck and other serious injuries in the crash.
Machitar was 30 years old and a five-and-a-half-year veteran on the force who worked in the city's Northern Division. He had an infectious smile and passion for serving his community, following in the footsteps of his father.
“He’s the kind of guy you wanted on your team,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.
"His father was a retired is a retired deputy Sheriff, and so he dedicated his life to public service, and we will not forget that," said San Diego Police Officer's Association Presiden, Jared Wilson.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom honored Machitar and Martinez in a statement that read in part, “Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Officer Machitar. His loved ones, friends and colleagues at the San Diego Police Department are in our hearts during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his fellow officer who was seriously injured.”
Machitar, who is survived by his parents and sister, grew up in Chula Vista. He attended Otay Ranch High School, where he excelled in baseball.
How to help
The San Diego Police Officers Association has set up a way to help the officers. The funds go to the SDPOA Foundation, which directly assists officers in times of need. The funds raised now will go to the family of the deceased officer and to the second officer.
Click here for more information and to give.
WATCH RELATED: San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl talks about the crash that killed officer Austin Machitar
