Sgt. Gutzwiller Tribute Planned at Willowbrook Park, By Kieran Kelly

Sgt. Gutzwiller Tribute Planned at Willowbrook Park

By Kieran Kelly

Asmall crowd of Santa Cruz County officials gathered at Willowbrook County Park in Aptos on Jan. 20, to announce plans to reimagine the park in memory of fallen Santa Cruz County Sheriff Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller.

The effort is a collaboration of the Santa Cruz County Parks Department, the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, County Park Friends, and Supervisor Zach Friend.

On June 6, 2020, Sgt. Gutzwiller was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind his wife and two young children. He also left behind many friends and colleagues who wanted to find a way to honor the legacy of his service.

“He was a great police officer; he was a great sergeant,” said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart. “He’s sorely missed at the Sheriff’s Office. We still have a lot of grief and a lot of sadness.”

Willowbrook County Park was selected for the memorial site due to its special connection to Sgt. Gutzwiller.

Damon Gutzwiller grew up in Santa Cruz County and owned his first home in the Willowbrook neighborhood. He could often be found there playing with his beloved dog, Shasta. A dedicated public servant, Damon served with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years advancing to the rank of sergeant.

Speaking through tears with her two young children in hand, Sgt. Gutzwiller’s widow Faviola Del Real spoke about Damon’s connection to the park.

“He used to talk about bringing our children here to play,” she said. “Making this dedication in Damon’s honor will give our children, Carter and Lucia, along with future generations, a place to honor his sacrifice and remember his legacy.”

According to County Parks staff, the project is designed to complement the surrounding environment and will include the installation of a memorial seating area with a curved bench near the park’s pedestrian bridge.

“Willowbrook” page 8

Photo Credit: Amanda Rotella

Faviola Del Real, with her children Carter and Lucia, speaks at ceremony announcing tribute to her late husband, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed on duty in 2020.

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