Escalante is survived by his wife and three children.
Sheriff Lee Baca helped present the check to Escalante's family during a news conference, also attended by some members of the entertainment industry, including actor Robert Gossett of the cable T.V. series "The Closer."
Sheriff Baca told those present: "At the end of the day it's still a loss that cannot be replaced. Cops4causes gets in front of this reality and says we just want to ease the pain of the family, give them a little more support financially so that they can have a life that is a little more normal."
He went on to say: "Juan Escalante will never be forgotten, and that's part of what this particular ceremony is about, it's to recognize him, to thank him for what he represented, not only for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department but for the entire law enforcement community. "
Three people have been arrested in connection with Escalante's killing, and a fourth is being sought. He is identified as 26-year-old Armando Albarran.
The donation to Escalante's family was possible thanks to funds raised by Cops4Causes, a group of law enforcement personnel who work to benefit the community, and the department's colleagues and families.
According to Cops4Causes President Christopher Landavazo, over the past three years the organization has been working with the arts and entertainment community to raise funds.
Cops4Causes has been holding its Comedy Uniting Communities benefits, with help from the Laugh Factory, comedian Dane Cook and other big names in comedy.
Among other organizations that have benefited from Cops4Causes are Los Angeles Children's Hospital, Casa Pacifica, and Special Olympics of Southern California.
There are three more upcoming Comedy Uniting Communities fund-raising events at the Laugh Factory this summer, beginning June 19.
For tickets or more information you can go to www.cops4causes.org. Every dollar will go toward Cops4causes and its charities.
