Widow of slain El Monte police officer expresses gratitude after foundation pays off her mortgage

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Janine Paredes, widow of fallen El Monte police officer Michael Paredes, is expressing her gratitude after a foundation paid off the mortgage on her home.

Paredes says her husband would be honored to be recognized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which made the announcement that it would pay off mortgages in full on the homes for over 30 fallen officers in observance of Independence Day.

The foundation also paid off the mortgage on the home of officer Joseph Santana, who was on duty with Michael Paredes.

The two officers were killed responding to a domestic violence call at a motel where they were ambushed by gunfire.

Memorial ceremony honors 2 El Monte police officers killed in the line of duty last year

A memorial wall was unveiled honoring two El Monte police officers who were shot and killed while responding to a report of a stabbing at motel one year ago.