When tragedy strikes, it’s heartwarming to see people come together to support those left behind. That’s exactly what happened when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies escorted the young daughter of their late colleague, Gonzalo Galvez, to her first day of school. This touching gesture honored the memory of the dedicated tactical medic who recently lost his fight against cancer.
Gonzalo Galvez, known as “Gonzo” to his friends at work, was a well-loved tactical medic with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Sadly, he passed away on August 6, 2024, at just 47 years old. Gonzo had spent almost 25 years helping people in his community. He was part of the team that flew in the department’s Rescue 5 helicopter, often putting himself in danger to save others.
When the LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau shared the news of Galvez’s death, his work family was heartbroken. Mike Leum, who helps run the department, shared a touching video on social media.
It showed Gonzo being pulled up into a helicopter during a snowy rescue mission. Leum’s words with the video were both sad and hopeful: “Why does cancer take the best ones? Gonzo was an amazing tactical medic and saved hundreds of lives. He’s now been hoisted up to Heaven and sits at the right hand of The Father.”
Why does cancer take the best ones? Gonzo was an amazing tactical medic and saved hundreds of lives. He’s now been hoisted up to Heaven and sits at the right hand of The Father. (Video is him during a winter search). @SEBLASD @LASDHQ pic.twitter.com/iOkIQfxgst
— Mike Leum (@Resqman) August 6, 2024
Just a week after saying goodbye to Gonzo, his coworkers came together to do something special for his family. On Wednesday, August 16, 2024, a group of sheriff’s deputies met up to walk Galvez’s little girl to school on her first day back. This happened in Glendora, and Mike Leum shared videos of this touching moment online.
The videos showed something that would bring tears to your eyes. Gonzo’s daughter was holding a big picture of her dad as she walked up to a line of deputies. One by one, she gave each of them a hug. It really showed how Gonzo’s work friends had become like a second family. Leum wrote with the videos, “Escorted Gonzo’s (RIP) daughter to her first day of school, because that’s what family does.”
To make the day even more special, they had a Sheriff’s Department helicopter fly over the school. It was a nice way to remember Gonzo and the important work he did up in the sky during his career.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Kamal Ahmad explained why they wanted to do this for Gonzo’s family. He said, “He did so much for this community. He put his life on the line so many times for complete strangers and just loved his job. So it was the least we can do.” Isn’t it wonderful to see people honoring someone who gave so much of himself to help others?
Gonzo was truly dedicated to his work and his community. As a tactical medic, he often found himself in dangerous situations, always ready to help save lives. Being part of the Rescue 5 helicopter team meant he was often called out for tough search and rescue missions. He would provide critical medical care in some of the most challenging conditions you can imagine.
Losing someone like Gonzo is hard for everyone – his family, his coworkers, and all the people he helped over the years. But his life shows us what it means to be selfless, brave, and truly committed to helping others. He faced danger head-on to save lives, showing us the best of what it means to serve the public.
For Gonzo’s little girl and the rest of his family, the days ahead will be tough. Losing a dad and husband leaves a big hole in your heart. But what his coworkers did on that first day of school sends a powerful message: “You’re not alone.” The sheriff’s department is standing by, ready to help and support Gonzo’s family, just like he would have done for them.
May this story encourage us to appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of our first responders. In these times when we remember those we’ve lost, let’s pray for Galvez’s family, his coworkers, and all the brave men and women who continue to serve our communities with courage and dedication.
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