SANTA CRUZ >> It’s a day they desperately wish had never happened, but have pledged to never forget.

Family, friends and former colleagues of Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller gathered in Santa Cruz Friday to mark five years since the beloved law enforcement official and community member was killed in the line of duty.

The Sheriff’s Office hosted a public ceremony at its headquarters off of Soquel Avenue to honor Gutzwiller’s legacy of sacrifice and to give those that knew him an opportunity to mourn a loss that remains immense and tender a half-decade later.

“Today we honor Damon’s sacrifice, we honor his memory that will never be forgotten and we remind ourselves that his legacy lives on through all of us; through our commitment to peace, our protection to those in need and our daily efforts to make Damon proud,” Santa Cruz County Sheriff Chris Clark said in an address to members of the Sheriff’s Office and the crowd of more than 100 people who gathered for the parking lot ceremony.

In addition to lowering the flag to half-staff, receiving of a wreath from Santa Cruz Regional 911 and broadcasting out a radio call in his honor, this year’s ceremony included an unveiling of a dedication sign that will be placed along Highway 9 in Ben Lomond in remembrance of Gutzwiller and his ultimate sacrifice.

A 14-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, Gutzwiller was fatally shot June 6, 2020, after his unit was ambushed while responding to a call of a suspicious van in Ben Lomond. Gutzwiller’s killer, part of an extremist and violent anti-government and anti-law enforcement movement, was sentenced to life without parole in 2022.

“Damon’s actions that day in the pursuit of protecting our communities and stopping that evil is a testament to his leadership, character, devotion and perseverance in safeguarding those in our county,” said Clark. “Damon’s actions were courageous and he is a hero.”

The sign on Highway 9 is the latest physical manifestation of Gutzwiller’s legacy throughout the county in the wake of his death. County Park Friends and Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to reimagine Willowbrook County Park in Aptos, a place Gutzwiller frequented with his dog, Shasta. The park now features a new playground, memorial bench, flagpole and a general beautification of the grounds for the community to enjoy.

Gutzwiller, 38, is survived by his spouse Faviola Del Real and their two children Carter, 8, and Lucia, 5, who graduated from preschool the same day as the memorial ceremony.

“We carry your memory with us in everything we do. We’ll keep saying your name honoring your memory and striving to serve this community with the same heart and courage that you so effortlessly did,” the radio call dispatcher’s voice, beginning to break, rang out over the loudspeaker. “We miss you, Damon. We’ll continue to have the watch from here.”