San Bernardino County deputy killed in crash honored at funeral
ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- It was a somber day in the Inland Empire as family, friends, and community members gathered to honor San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.
The 36-year-old husband and father of two was killed in a crash at the end of a police chase in Victorville last month.
Hundreds of people showed up to pay their respects at the Ontario Convention Center on Thursday. Nearly 3,000 members of law enforcement from all across the state and even out of state attended the memorial.
Led by a large procession of law enforcement, Cuevas' casket made its way down the 215 Freeway early Thursday morning.
His widow broke down in tears as the honor guard brought him into the Ontario Convention Center for the memorial service, with San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus at her side.
"He knew when to be a warrior, and he knew when to be a guardian, but most importantly, he knew that a law enforcement officer represented both roles," Dicus said.
"He wasn't just one of the 137 employees at our station; he was one of the hardest-working deputies to ever walk through the station doors," said Capt. Randy German.
"The mission is still the mission, and Hector's legacy and presence will forever live on through us," said Cpl. Dashaun Jones.
Cuevas died at the end of a pursuit of a stolen vehicle in Victorville last month. He lost control, crashed into a bystander vehicle, and hit a light pole, splitting his vehicle in two.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cuevas spent three years serving the people of San Bernardino County. He graduated from Carter High School in Rialto and lived in Fontana. He was known to many across the San Bernardino community and left a lasting impression.
"My fears have, sadly, become my reality. I have wrestled with so many emotions, asking 'why?' and walking through the stages of grief, still unsure of where I am in the process. Junior has entered eternal life with God, and though that brings me peace, it doesn't ease the ache of the loss," his mother, Liz Cuevas, said at the funeral.
The memorial service ended with a rifle salute, a missing man formation flown by the sheriff's aviation, and the playing of taps.
After the memorial, the procession headed to a nearby cemetery for a private funeral service.
The suspect Deputy Cuevas was chasing, 22-year-old Ryan Turner, has been charged with murder, evading an officer, and driving or taking a vehicle without consent. He pleaded not guilty and is expected back in court on May 12.
