And how the ambitious law enforcement officer would take time to mentor other cops.

“He was driven by his heart,” Dicus said to a crowd of hundreds of law enforcement officers and other guests. “He knew that he could make a difference in the life of every person he contacted. That is just another example of how Hector was built different.”

More than 1,200 people watched the service on the Sheriff’s Department’s YouTube channel.

Cuevas, 36, died on March 17 after colliding with a civilian car at El Evado and Seneca roads in Victorville during a pursuit of a reported stolen car. District Attorney Jason Anderson said the pursuit reached speeds of 100 mph as the suspect ran four red lights.

Cuevas died from his injuries at the scene. He was the 19th San Bernardino County deputy to die in the line of duty.

Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr., 22, who was being pursued, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

On Thursday, hundreds of law enforcement vehicles lined the streets outside the Ontario Convention Center, with red and blue lights flashing silently. A fire truck extended its ladder high into the sky, displaying a large American flag. Officers stood in formation. Two helicopters flew overhead in a final salute as Cuevas’ body was carried inside.

Residents of the region lined the procession route that began at the mortuary on East Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.

“My brother-in-law is an officer, so I came to show respect for law enforcement and all the hard work they do,” said Bridget Arocha, a Rancho Cucamonga resident. “They put their lives on the line. It’s great to see so many officers out here in support, but it’s also very sad.”

Patricia Ramos, an Ontario resident, stood quietly with her husband along the sidewalk as dozens of patrol cars passed by.

“I didn’t know him personally, but when something like this happens, it really hits home. These deputies risk everything, and they deserve to be honored like this,” Ramos said.

Cuevas worked for the Upland Police Department for three years before joining the Sheriff’s Department three years ago. He graduated from Carter High School in Rialto and lived in Fontana. He is survived by his wife, two children, parents, brother and sister.

Cuevas’ first chief was Darren Goodman at the Upland Police Department. Goodman, who now leads the San Bernardino Police Department, was at first taken aback by the brashness of the young officer who had just graduated from the academy and applied to work in Upland.

“He completely hijacked my interview,” Goodman said to laughter.

Cuevas asked about Goodman’s career, what kind of weapon he carried and how much time he spent with his wife.

“And then when I thought his interview with me was over, he asked me a question that I’ll never forget: He said, ‘What will it take for me to be sitting in your seat being the police chief some day?’” Goodman said, holding back tears. “Hector was serious and what he was serious about was being in the best position he could to take care of his family. He was focused and most importantly, he wasn’t afraid to put in the work to see his dreams come true.”

Not only was Cuevas hired, but he and Goodman became close friends, taking in UFC fights together and discussing the world’s problems.

“As much as Hector was truly built different,” Goodman said, “this one feels different. I feel this one deep in my bones. Not just because we lost a brother, but once again we were reminded the truth about what sacrifice means.”

Cuevas’ mother, Liz, and father, Hector Sr., appeared onstage as well.

“He had an extraordinary talent for inspiring those around him,” Liz Cuevas said, “never showing judgment or exclusion. Junior exceeded all expectations, exuding love, kindness and trustworthiness. He set ambitious goals for himself and never let ‘Can’t’ be an option.”

Dicus recalled one such example of Cuevas’ humanity.

Cuevas had arrested a man who had been violent toward his wife. He put the man in his patrol car and drove away and instead of lecturing the man, he ministered to him.

“He talked about God and that here is forgiveness and in our lifetime there is room for redemption,” Dicus said. “And then he spoke about what it meant to be a good man, a good husband and a good father. After her husband returned from custody, he was a changed man.”

Jordan Bell, a teammate on the Spartans Football Association team, recalled Cuevas as the heart and soul of the team who was a relentless competitor.

“Most of all, Hector was an elite trash talker. The Hec would trash talk the other teams during pregame warmups, the coin toss and all game long. But Hector was also the first to help you off the ground, whether you were a teammate or an opponent.

“We will miss you,” Bell continued. “You were the best of us.”