Local families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty say the latest shooting of a San Diego police officer brings back memories.
Officer Jonathan “JD” De Guzman was shot and killed on Thursday night during a traffic stop. He is survived by his wife and two children. His partner, Officer Wade Irwin, was seriously wounded but expected to survive.
NBC 7 spoke with the father of a fallen officer who offered words of comfort for the family of De Guzman.
“It’s never going to be right but it does get better every day and believe it or not, there’s hope and joy in the future,” Steve Bessant said.
His son, Oceanside Police Officer Dan Bessant was shot and killed in December, 2008.
Bessant told NBC 7 his faith and his 10-year old grandson gave him hope and comfort.
“Knowing that my ability to talk to Dan is done now on this Earth but we will have eternity together,” he said.
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Bessant says it is also the support for the police and community that have helped him get through it all.
Shawn Dee Hartless, who lost her husband Jerry Hartless in the line of duty in 1988 shared the same sentiment, saying that wounds don’t go away but you just move on.
San Diego Police Officer Jeremy Henwood, 36, died after a man pulled up next to his patrol car in City Heights and shot him in August 2011. He had served with the department for four years and had also been a Captain in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 2014, local leaders, law enforcement and Henwood’s family dedicated a park in City Heights in his honor.
On Monday, August 8, police are planning a commemorative barbecue at the park in honor of Officer Henwood. Some of Henwood’s family who live in Texas will be attending.
