Tags: San Bernardino County, Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., law enforcement, police funeral, line of duty death, Inland Empire, Victorville police chase
Remembering a Dedicated Deputy
In a deeply emotional ceremony, family members, fellow officers, and the wider community gathered at the Ontario Convention Center to honor the life and service of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., who tragically lost his life during a police pursuit in Victorville.
Deputy Cuevas, a 36-year-old husband and father of two, was killed last month after crashing into a bystander vehicle and light pole while chasing a suspect in a stolen vehicle. His patrol car was split in two upon impact, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Hero’s Farewell
The funeral drew a crowd of hundreds, including nearly 3,000 law enforcement officers from across the country. A solemn procession led Deputy Cuevas’ casket down the 215 Freeway early in the morning, culminating in a moving memorial service where the honor guard carried him into the venue.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus stood beside Cuevas’ grieving widow during the ceremony, praising his balanced role as both protector and peacekeeper.
“He knew when to be a warrior and when to be a guardian,” said Dicus.
Captain Randy German described Cuevas as “one of the hardest-working deputies” to ever serve at the station. Cpl. Dashaun Jones added, “Hector’s legacy and presence will forever live on through us.”
A Life of Service and Community
Deputy Cuevas served San Bernardino County for three years. A graduate of Carter High School in Rialto, he lived in Fontana and was widely known throughout the community. His passing left a profound impact on those who knew him.
His mother, Liz Cuevas, shared heartfelt words during the ceremony:
“My fears have, sadly, become my reality. I have wrestled with so many emotions, asking ‘why?’ and walking through the stages of grief… Though knowing Junior is with God brings peace, it doesn’t ease the ache of the loss.”
Final Honors and Legal Proceedings
The memorial concluded with a rifle salute, a “missing man” formation flyover by the sheriff’s aviation team, and the playing of taps. A private burial service followed the public memorial.
The suspect in the fatal pursuit, 22-year-old Ryan Turner, faces charges including murder, evading an officer, and unlawful vehicle use. He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court in May.
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