Services Set for Police Veteran
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Services for a former Santa Ana police officer who died in a car accident a few months after he retired will be at 11 this morning in Riverside County, authorities said.
David Esparza, 44, a 15-year veteran before he retired for medical reasons, died in a crash Oct. 13 near the Corona Expressway and Riverside Freeway interchange, Police Lt. Jose Garcia said.
“His presence will be missed,” Garcia said. “He had a great sense of humor. He was one of those guys who made you want to come to work.”
Fellow officers describe Esparza as a dedicated officer who volunteered his free time to serve on the athletic committee for Santa Ana’s police union and was “always there” for his friends, Garcia said.
He is survived by his wife and son.
Services will be at the Memorial Victoria Community Church, 5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside. Burial will follow at Riverside Military Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., police said.
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