Friends and community honor Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller’s memory

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) A vigil outside the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is growing Monday night as community members come to honor Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller's memory. Those who were close to Gutzwiller tell KION he was a genuine person, honest and enjoyed having fun.

The 38-year-old was killed in the line of duty during an ambush in Ben Lomond Saturday.

Gutzwiller joined the sheriff’s office in 2006, but before that, people knew him as Damon: a member of the Aptos High Class of 1999 and a local.

Friends told KION he enjoyed dirt biking, running and outdoor activities.

High school friend Shannon McPhedran who went to winter formal with him had only kind words to say.

“Damon was always genuinely kind, he was friendly to everyone and he had a great sense of humor,” McPhedran said.

Longtime friend Nicholas Leik and many others were heartbroken to hear the news.

“At my house, we were just devastated, we could not imagine that it happened to him,” Leik said.

Gutzwiller was a groomsman in Leik’s wedding.

He said he texted Gutzwiller on the tragic day after hearing that a deputy in his department was injured, only to later find out that it was Damon.

“It shouldn’t happen to anyone but it hurts when it’s people that you love,” Leik said.

Leik also said Gutzwiller lived by the mission of the sheriff's office.

People continue to bring flowers to the vigil days after the tragic news of his death.

“I just wanted to show my respect for what he did, what he gave his life for by bringing flowers,” Aptos resident Judy Jordan said.

Gutzwiller leaves behind a wife with a baby on the way and a two-year-old son.

Friends say his memory can live on in all of us if people choose to be a good person like Damon.

The community is raising funds for Gutzwiller's family. To donate, click here.