WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – Legislation to honor fallen San Diego Police Officer Jonathan “J.D.” De Guzman took a major step forward when the House of Representatives approved a bill U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53) is sponsoring to dedicate a Chula Vista post office to Officer De Guzman.
“Officer De Guzman dedicated his life to protecting and serving the San Diego community he loved,” said Rep. Davis. “Officer De Guzman made the ultimate sacrifice and future generations should know and understand the commitment that he and all our law enforcement officers make on behalf of San Diegans.”
“Officer De Guzman was an exemplary public servant who represented the very best of San Diego and its law enforcement community,” said Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), an original cosponsor of the bill. “I was honored to meet Officer De Guzman’s wife and children at a thank you event for the law enforcement community and other San Diegans who stepped up in a big way in the wake of this tragedy to provide resources, support, and kindness. The naming of this post office will help preserve the memory of Officer De Guzman’s service and sacrifice, and provide a constant reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officers face every day keeping our communities safe. I thank Rep. Susan Davis for leading this effort, and look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.”
Davis’s bill will designate the postal facility on Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, where he lived, as the “Jonathan ‘J.D.’ De Guzman Post Office Building.” The entire San Diego congressional delegation joined as original cosponsors of Davis’s legislation. All of California’s House members are also supporting the bill.
In July, Officer De Guzman, a 16 year veterans of the force, was killed in the line of duty as he and his partner were attempting to question an individual who has since been charged with the shooting. He is survived by his parents, a wife and two children.
San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, his family, friends and fellow officers characterized De Guzman as a selfless, honorable and caring “warrior.”
Born in the Philippines, De Guzman traveled to the United States at age twenty, with high hopes of achieving the American Dream.
Through hard work and perseverance, he achieved this dream as San Diego law enforcement officer, serving in many different roles within San Diego Police Department.
In September, Davis met with the De Guzman family to offer her condolences. She then introduced her bill to honor Officer De Guzman.
Davis’s bill passed unanimously in the House and now moves to the Senate.
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Preceding provided by the office of Congresswoman Davis