Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This Gentleman made one heck of an impression on me. My small cabin had been broken into in Ben Lomond. I called The Sheriffs Department & a short time later he showed up with a couple of other Deputies. They spent several hours at the cabin taking fingerprints, went into the Redwoods with flashlights finding several pieces of jewelry that the Criminals had dropped as they fled the crime scene. The next morning I was on my Road Bike up the coast about 35 miles from Santa Cruz, when I received a phone call. It was Sgt Gutzwiller telling me that he thought they had found the People that had broken into my Cabin. I told him where I was, he said he would pick me up which he did shortly. He put my Bike in the back of the Police car and we proceeded back up the Road too Bolder Creek where the Suspects were being detained. I’m thinking we’re going too a Sub Station where I can identify them. This drive up hill took about 40 minutes which gave us time to chat a bit. He told me how much he Loved his job his Family and his Daughter, I shared with him the Tears of Joy of seeing my Daughter being born. He told me he had experienced the same tears of Joy when he had seen his child take there first Breath. You know sometimes when you know you’ve met someone Special that you will remember for ever. That was the impression he made on me that morning. We got too Bolder Creek and I identified one the Suspects a young girl of 17 years old. We proceeded to talk to each other for the next couple of weeks. He put me in touch with her Probation officer. They were able to get her into a Rehabilitation Center because of his efforts. He went beyond and above his job in the effort he put out those day’s after the Breakin at my Cabin. This morning I was reading the L A Time and there was an article about his Murder and felt compelled too share my meeting this Man who made a Difference in soo many lives. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and feeling. God Bless his wife and Children. You can be proud knowing he made a difference in everyone he came in Contact with in 24 years of Service as a Sheriff in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Steve Murga

February 14, 2022

Thank your for your service

Dushyant Bharat Karani

November 5, 2021

Gone but not forgotten. May you now Rest In Peace and thank you for your 14 years in service to the community. May the murderer get justice in life and rot in the creeks of hell in his past life. Family torn to pieces due to some sick individual. Thank you for your service!

Edgar Rodriguez
Civilian

October 31, 2021

I know you only as a humble, kind, purpose-driven, God-loving man in the stories from your friends and family. I would be proud if people told half as many stories about me being half as good as you!
I think of you often and I keep a picture of you in my office to remind me why we do what we do.
I offered to watch over your beautiful family and I mean to keep that promise as long as I can my friend.
May you Rest In Peace.
Thank you for giving your all to keep us safe from Evil.

David Selinger
Civilian

October 23, 2021

“This Jodie’s dedicated to a man, who wasn’t afraid to wear a sheriffs badge. He served 14 years as a deputy, he looked real sharp in tan and green. Class #454 put on their running shoes, tan and green running with the boys in blue. We’re showing our respect to Santa Cruz, Sgt Gutzwiller this run is for you. And while you are resting in paradise, we promise to watch over your little guy.” I won’t forget our colors run that was dedicated to you, sir. Rest easy, prayers to your family.

. Deputy Mackie Class #454
LASD .

October 19, 2021

Your loss will not have been in vain nor will it ever be forgotten. Rest in peace Sergeant.

Chief (Ret)
Watsonville PD

June 28, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 6, 2021

Rest in peace Sergeant Gutzwiller.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 25, 2020

Damon Guitzweiler was a fun friend who really loved my children. Damon Guitzweiler mentored and counselled Dilma because Dilma's genetic issues draws conflicts. Damon dealt with my Tall children who had with emotional issues with their genetic genes and younger siblings. I want you to understand syndrome X. Damon Guitzweiler understood it.

Dilma Coleman

September 13, 2020

Sergeant Gutzwiller,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

July 11, 2020

Thank you Sergeant Gutzwiller for your hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of California. You are a true American HERO. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

July 4, 2020

On behalf of our family to all your family sir, Our hearts bleed for all of you. Every time we loose another officer it rips through our souls as we know all too well what road all of you are now on, and must travel for the rest of your lives. No matter what please, please, please stay close to one another. You’re a HERO and will forever be a HERO!! We will NEVER FORGET the sacrifices each of you made by Your hero deciding to put on the uniform and badge EVERYDAY. May God give all of you peace knowing he saved the life of others and did so so proudly. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are and will be called the Children of God. Sir, May you Rest In Peace and continue to show the signs to your family that you are around them, FOREVER. As a mother of a fallen hero, my son does this daily and knowing he’s still here, brings great comfort. So I ask you Sir....please be their guardian angel as they walk through the shadows of grief. All LEO supporters and the officers you left behind, will take it from here, sir. RIP!!

Ms. Tammy Avent
Mother of Fallen BPA Jose “Joey” Barraza EOW: 4-18-16.

July 4, 2020

Praying for your family, friends, colleagues, agencies during this very difficult time for them and all of us. Thank you for your service! We shall remember you with pride and admiration always! May God Bless the Blue!

“The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 HCSB];

“Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4 HCSB], and;

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 HCSB]

Depart in peace, Brother-in-Blue; in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Christ Jesus who redeemed you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you. May you rest in peace and dwell forever with the Lord. Amen.

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, CIMT, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed/Certified Independent Ecumenical Clergy / Chaplain
Ministry: Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS
Nashua NH and Merrimack NH Police Departments

July 1, 2020

Thank you for your service and sacrifice

Officer Alexander Hernandez
Miccousukee Tribal Police Department

June 26, 2020

To the family of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller, friends, Sheriff Jim Hart and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, CA
You are lifted up in heart, thought, and prayer. May God comfort, hold you close and give you His peace that surpasses all understanding to keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus now and always. Thank you for your service!
"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
" I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Patrolman A.S. Batson
CH / OB PD
Goldsboro, NC

June 24, 2020

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

June 18, 2020

On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller and the extended law enforcement family of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, California.


End of Watch Tuesday, June 6, 2020.


Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

June 18, 2020

Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.

Deputy Sheriff Rocco Wahl
SSO / 088

June 17, 2020

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 16, 2020

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Sergeant Gutzwiller. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

June 15, 2020

Me and my husband are deeply saddened by this tragic news of officer Damon. We stand with and deeply grateful for all law enforcement officers who uphold the law and serve their communities with sacrificial spirit. Our prayers for Damon's wife, children and family are Jesus will heal the unimaginable pain, bring comfort, give courage and hearts of forgiveness that lead to peacefulness. His children will grow up to be proud citizens of this country.. 

SiuPik
civilian

June 14, 2020

I am sorry for your loss to the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends. I will keep all of you in my prayers. RIP.

Retired Fire Lieutenantm Frank J Corasa
Baltimore City Fire Department

June 14, 2020

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P Waggle
Civilian

June 14, 2020

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whose blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
Columbia, SC

June 13, 2020

Sgt Gutzwiller, I salute your bravery in this horrific incident where a coward took your life and injured others. It is so heartbreaking that your family is now left to build a life without you. Almost daily we are learning of another Law Enforcement Officer losing their life across our nation. This has to stop! My deepest sympathy to your family and to your Department. I pray that you are looking down on us with that big beautiful smile from Heaven! Rest in Peace, Brother.

Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department

Flowery Branch, GA

June 13, 2020