By Scott Sherman

Like the rest of San Diego, I recently awoke to the tragic news that two of our police officers were shot and one, tragically killed.

I have a deep respect for our police force and recognize that the city of San Diego is blessed to have one of the best-trained and most professional police departments in the nation.

The brave men and women of SDPD leave their homes every day to protect us, not knowing whether they will come home to their families after their watch ends. Tragically, this was the case for the family of Officer Jonathan De Guzman.

Officer De Guzman protected San Diego for 16 years as a police officer, now it’s our turn to support the family he has left behind.

The San Diego Police Officers Association is collecting money on behalf of the De Guzman family through their Widows & Orphans Fund.

The Widows & Orphans Fund Provides assistance to families of fallen police officers. Donations for the fund can be mailed to: San Diego Police Officers Association, 8388 Vickers St., San Diego, CA 92111 or via its website at sdpoa.org/about-widows-orphans-fund/.

SDPOA officials asked donors to include “Officer Jonathan De Guzman” in the notes of the online donation or on the memo line of their check.

In addition, a GoFundMe account for Officer Wade Irvin who was injured in the shooting has been created. Donations to aid in Irwin’s recovery expenses can be made at gofundme.com/irwinfamilyfund.

I would like to give my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of our men and women in blue. Thank you for your service to our community and my deepest condolences for your loss. You will always have my support.

—Scott Sherman represents District 7 on the San Diego City Council.