Community, law enforcement mourn El Paso Police officer laid to rest

Nearly 100 motorcycle officers flanked the hearse that carried the remains of El Paso Police Officer David Ortiz to the cemetery Friday.

Hundreds more followed in patrol squads and personal vehicles. And hundreds more lined the streets as the gray hearse with an El Paso Police seal passed by on its way to Mount Carmel cemetery in the Lower Valley.

The nine-year veteran of the EPPD also spent time with the Socorro, Horizon City and Fort Bliss police departments. But Friday, all law enforcement agencies became one as they mourned their brother killed after an on-the-job crash.

Tears and memories flowed freely during the service.

“I’ve known him since we were young, since we were in junior high,” Claudia Herrera told ABC-7’s Darren Hunt. “He was such a kind spirit, loving person, always, always laughing, joking so we’re really going to miss him.”

Officer Ortiz was involved in a crash March 10 near the intersection of Lee Trevino Drive and Vista Del Sol Drive. Ortiz was stopped at a traffic signal on his police motorcycle when he was hit from behind by another vehicle. He died of his injuries four days later.

Police have not identified the 45-year-old person who was driving the car and have not released information on charges pending.

Ofc. Ortiz was married and leaves behind two children.

His family requested privacy during the service, so no cameras or reporters were allowed inside the church or near the graveside ceremony. However, they did request the funeral procession pass by his alma mater, Ysleta High School.

There, he was greeted by flags, the JROTC cadets, drum corps, cheerleaders, Dancing Spirit and mascot and hundreds more students standing silently as a sign of respect for the officer and his family. But school pride was loud. “Once an Indian, Always an Indian,” read a sign held by students.

“It spoke volumes that the family requested the procession pass by Ysleta High School. It speaks to the commitment to the community,” said EPPD spokesman Det. Mike Baranyay.

The display of unity was witnessed by law enforcement agents from multiple agencies who joined in the procession. Officers from Houston and Hobbs, Horizon City, Lubbock and Albuquerque were there. So were state police officers from Texas and New Mexico, and federal agents and even national park rangers.

The funeral mass took place at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Socorro. So many people showed up, hundreds were unable to go inside the sanctuary and remained outside.

On Thursday, a memorial service was held for Ortiz at Sunset Funeral Home on North Loop. Dozens showed up to grieve the fallen officer, the crowd so large, many stood outside again.

“We are here to pay our respects, we’ll be praying for all of them, for the whole family and for everybody that loves him,” said Carmen Uribe, a family friend.

Gabriel Payan, a friend of the officer, told ABC-7 Ortiz was a funny man always cracking jokes with his wife. “He loved his family, he was always a family man, always talking about his wife and his kids,” said Payan. He added Ortiz lived a life of service.

“He was a police officer in Socorro, Horizon and then in El Paso. I think it’s going to be a great loss to the community,” he said.