El Monte, Los Angeles County, CA: On Saturday evening, June 18, a vigil was held for the fallen El Monte Police officers to honor and remember them after the tragic event that unfolded June 14, when the officers lost their lives in a shooting responding to a call. Hundreds of people gathered at the El Monte Civic Center for the vigil.

The Mayor of El Monte, Jessica Ancona, El Monte PD Interim Chief Ben Lowry, the president of the El Monte Police Officers Association and family members all spoke at the vigil. The immediate family members of the fallen officers sat in the front row during the vigil, surrounded by members of the community for the heartbreaking gathering.

The two officers were fatally shot on June 14, 2022, after responding to a possible stabbing at the Siesta Inn where officers immediately took gunfire upon arrival, according to El Monte PD. The two officers were struck and both were transported to LAC-USC Medical Center where they later succumbed to their wounds.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has taken over the investigation with El Monte PD actively participating.

El Monte PD identified Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana as the two officers “killed in the line of duty, while faithfully carrying out their sworn duties.”

“Corporal Paredes started his law enforcement career as a Cadet with the El Monte Police Department, before being sworn in as a Full Time Police Officer in July of 2000. During his time at the El Monte Police Department, Corporal Paredes worked several specialized assignments before being appointed to the assignment of Corporal. Corporal Paredes is survived by his wife, daughter and son,” El Monte PD stated on the department’s Facebook page.

The department spoke of Officer Santana “who started his service with the City of El Monte as a part time Public Works Employee. After six years of service, he began his law enforcement career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff where he served for approximately three years. He concluded his career with the sheriff’s department to accept a position as a police officer with the city of El Monte, returning to his hometown to serve the community he grew up in. Officer Santana is survived by his wife, daughter and twin boys.”

“Corporal Paredes and Officer Santana paid the ultimate sacrifice, while in performance of a noble profession, serving the community they loved,” the El Monte PD stated.

Video: Michael Ullo, Photojournalist / KNN 

© 2022 Key News Network