Cronin: End of watch

For veteran San Diego Police Officer Jonathan “JD” De Guzman, the “end of watch” came suddenly and without warning. He was shot five times while still seated behind the wheel of his cruiser during a late-night confrontation with a suspicious individual. De Guzman’s partner, Officer Wade Irwin, was also shot, but managed to return fire, seriously injuring the assailant. Officer Irwin is expected to make a full recovery. The assailant is facing a murder charge. Officer De Guzman’s watch as a peace keeper came to an end.

As a member of the San Diego Law Enforcement Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, I had the privilege to participate in the memorial service for Officer De Guzman last Friday at the Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon. In a show of solidarity, the pipers and drummers of the San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums joined with us to help honor Officer De Guzman. Inside the church, we played during the folding of the flag and once again outside as the coffin was gently wheeled towards the hearse in preparation for the motorcade to the cemetery. There was a 21-gun salute, taps, and a flyover by SDPD ABLE helicopters. It was an emotional moment none of us who were there will ever forget.

For those who have never been, Shadow Mountain is an enormous facility. The main worship hall, in which the ceremony took place, seats 4,000. But as large as that may seem, it was nowhere near big enough to accommodate everyone in attendance. Another 2,000 or more had to watch the proceedings on closed circuit TV in adjacent rooms, buildings, and halls. It was clear from all that was said that Officer De Guzman was loved by everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was an amazing cop, son, husband, father, and friend.

But it was the impact of his death upon the community that was perhaps the most remarkable thing of all. For me, time was tight that day and I regretfully could not join the band for the graveside playing of “Amazing Grace” following the church service. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Color Guard, I was in the flag detail and had to hurry off to Petco Park for that next commitment. Somehow, I found myself all alone on the I-8 westbound, not a car in sight. The road had been closed for the procession. All along the way, I saw San Diegans waving flags and signs in support of Officer De Guzman and the police.

Military service members and veterans have grown accustomed to people saying to them “thank you for your service.” It is a very fine thing and I for one sincerely appreciate it. I always make a point to answer that compliment with another in return. “And thank you for being a patriot.” Being a patriot is commendable and it is good that Americans appreciate their service men and women.

But what about our police? Why cannot we do the same thing for them? Their service and sacrifice is certainly no less worthy of recognition. One need only look at the life and career of Officer Jonathan De Guzman to see the truth in that.

By all means, continue to march and protest, if that is where your heart leads you. You are an American. It is your right. At the same time, there is no reason not to say “thank you” once in a while to our keepers of the peace.

The military already owns “thank you for your service.” Fair enough. So how about doing this instead next time you encounter a police officer standing the watch for us? Simply tell him or her “thank you for what you do.” Why wait for the death of a cop?

Cronin is a Poway resident and the assistant police chief at MCAS Miramar.