For Ana Hernandez, it's a nightmare come true after her husband of more than 15 years -- Gerardo Hernandez -- was gunned down at LAX by a suspect reportedly targeting TSA officers.
"Gerardo was a great man who always showed his love for our family. He was always there to help anyone in need and always made people laugh with his wonderful sense of humor," the victim's wife said.
The 39-year-old father of two had worked for the TSA since 2010. His wife says he was very proud of his position.
"He was always excited to go to work and enjoyed the interaction with the passengers at LAX. He was a joyful person, always smiling. He took pride in his duty for the American public and for the TSA mission," Ana Hernandez said.
TSA officers are the first line of defense at the airport. Hernandez paid with his life, becoming the first TSA officer to die in the line of duty.
TSA Administrator John Pistole visited with Hernandez's family on Saturday.
"The purpose again is to offer support and condolences from the president on down," Pistole said.
Officials say four other people were injured, including two other TSA officers. Calabasas High School teacher Brian Ludmer was among those injured. He was waiting for a flight back home to Chicago for a friend's wedding.
Hernandez's friends and family continue to gather at his home in Porter Ranch. His wife says he moved to L.A. from El Salvador when he was 15 and says his love was for his family and his job helping keep passengers safe.
"I am truly devastated, and we are all heartbroken, and we'll miss him dearly," she said.
