The death of two California Highway Patrol officers is hitting the entire CHP hard, including here in San Diego.
Border Division Officer Juan Escobar went through the training academy with both Officer Juan Gonzalez and Officer Brian Law, who died while responding to a call Monday near Fresno.
Escobar told NBC 7 that he was devastated when he heard about his former classmates.
"It's hard enough when you know it’s an officer that's been killed in the line of duty, but then when it’s someone who you went to the academy together, you started the academy together, you graduated together. It just hits a little bit more closer to home," he said.
Escobar trained for 27 weeks in Sacramento with both officers. As he explained, Law was in a different company, so he was closer to Gonzalez whom he trained with the whole time.
"Officer Gonzalez was an outstanding person, I remember being up in the academy, getting to know him. He would always stop to assist a fellow cadet. What I can remember, he was really fearless, really nice guy. He would do anything to help out,” Escobar said. “Same with Officer Law."
Escobar said he's been in contact with Fresno CHP officers, sharing memories and sending love and support their way.
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"These two fine officers worked hard every single day, and they did the best that they could do and they loved this job."
