To The West Covina Community --
It is with heavy hearts that we share the unfortunate news of the sudden off duty passing of one of our very own, Officer Matthew Ortiz. The Ortiz family and the West Covina Police Department family are grieving the loss of a family member and a selfless person who served his country in the Marine Corps and as a police officer.
Matthew joined the Marine Corps in July 2015 and served his country until July 2019, when he received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps. Upon being discharged from the Marine Corps he decided to follow his family’s footsteps and joined the Los Angeles Police Department. He served the city of Los Angeles from September 2019 until August 2022.
Matthew decided to relocate to Texas in September of 2022 and began working for the Grand Prairie Police Department. He worked for the Grand Prairie Police Department until February 2023, when he made the decision to move back home. Matthew began his employment with the West Covina Police Department on July 24, 2023.
We want to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support we have already received from our brothers and sisters in law enforcement as well as other members of the community. Your kindness, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated during this difficult time.
We ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate through this challenging period.
Due to the unforeseen circumstances, the lobby at the West Covina Police Department will be closed until Monday, October, 23, 2023 at 7:30 AM.
Once again, we appreciate your support and ask that you keep the officer's family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.
