The body of a San Diego police officer killed in Afghanistan returned home Monday.
Law enforcement officers paid respects to Officer Frederico Borjas as his body arrived at MCAS. The funeral procession then proceeded to the department's Central Division in Logan Heights.
Borjas was a Marine before becoming a police officer. He was also a reserve in the Army. In August, Borjas was deployed to Afghanistan.
Family members said Borjas and his squad were on patrol when they were ambushed two weeks ago. Borjas, who was 33, leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter.
Borjas was a San Diego police officer since 1999, according to the police department's union. He most recently worked as a patrol officer at the police department's central division. He had also been a member of the SWAT team and police color guard .
His family issued a statement saying, "He had achieved so much in his career and touched so many people’s lives. We are proud of our son’s life, accomplishments, family and his career. Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of our son who was a devoted father, a caring son, dedicated police officer and a selfless soldier."
San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne said, "Rico will always be a member of our family here at SDPD. We will miss him and we appreciate his service to the people of San Diego, as well as his sacrifice in service to this great country.”
