Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

September 10, 2024

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

September 8, 2024

Dear Chief of Police Scott Wahl:

I hope this letter finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Police Officer Austin Machitar, a brave and dedicated professional.

The news of Officer Machitar’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Machitar’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.

In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Officer Machitar had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

To you, Chief Wahl, and the entire San Diego Police Department, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.

Having served 44+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.

May the memories of Officer Machitar, a brave and dedicated professional, be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

September 7, 2024

Rest in peace brother

Reserve Officer Steve Durfee
Retired

September 4, 2024

San Diego was once my home, so this feels very close. Rest well officer

Family of fallen Colorado Springs office
Family of Augustus Perreira

September 4, 2024

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

September 3, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC)
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 3, 2024

God Bless you brave warrior

K9 Sergeant Kevin Waters
Indiana State Police

September 1, 2024

Thank you Officer Machitar for your dedicated and selfless service to the people of the city of San Diego, CA. Your life mattered. Sending prayers of sympathy and condolences to your family and your coworkers. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Captain (Retired) Mike Culler
Winston-Salem NC Police Department

September 1, 2024

Rest, brother.

Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

September 1, 2024

Rest in Peace Brother

Thank you for your service and ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Prayers for you and your family

GOD BLESS

Firefighter Ronald Lavallee
Lawrence, MA Fire Department

September 1, 2024

Retired SDFD, God Bless you sir and may you rest in peace .

Kenneth Guyer
SDFD Retired

September 1, 2024

Officer Machitar, our world is full of evil people, and yet, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. My heart breaks for the sorrow that your loved ones are experiencing. May God immerse you and them in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jesus Espinosa
Civilian

September 1, 2024

Rest In Peace Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

September 1, 2024

God bless you Officer Austin Machitar, for your service and sacrifice. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends, and to your brothers and sisters from the San Diego Police Department. Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer Jim Drabos (Retired)
San Gabriel (CA) Police Department

August 31, 2024

Thank you Sir for your services. R.I.P

Mrs.C Singleton /Concern Citizen

August 31, 2024

May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless You. Your Family, & Friends.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

August 31, 2024

MY PRAYERS AND MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ARE WITH OFFICER
AUSTIN MACHITAR AND HIS LOVED ONES. REST IN PEACE BROTHER. GODSPEED.

INV. RICH WYNN, RET.
WILL COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT., ILL.

August 31, 2024

Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice!

Cpt Larry Meyers
NYPD

August 30, 2024

My condolences and prayers fir this officers family and friends.

Citizen
Citizen

August 30, 2024

condolences to his family

Carson loveless

August 30, 2024

A warrior taken by tragic circumstances. May your service and valor never be forgotten and those who are close to you comforted by the grace of GOD.

Virgil Weber, Sergeant (ret)
Glendora PD

August 30, 2024

We all miss you tremendously, Austin. It is so tragic, anger-inducing, and cosmically unfair what happened to you and Zach. I remember when you first started at Northern Division years ago. You were so eager to get involved and learn and you were always helpful and positive. Truly in it for all the right reasons. I still quote something I heard you say at CJ when the Sam unit told you and your partner do some extra paperwork at the most inconvenient moment. I'll always remember you driving out of the jail in pure outrage to go accomplish that last-minute task, haha. That must've happened in 2019. How quickly time has passed since then. The radio calls and arrests come and go in the tides of our memories, but it's the little things that we'll remember forever. The department, the city, and our community has lost someone truly irreplaceable.

Nick Marino
SDPD

August 30, 2024

Rest in Peace…

Retired Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

August 30, 2024

Officer Machitar,

I'm saddened to learn of your tragic loss My prayers go out to your friends, family, loved ones and colleagues. Rest in peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”. – Matthew 5:9

Daniel Ryan
Private Investigator (Retired)

August 30, 2024