The Eastvale community will be holding a ceremony for California Correctional Officer Gilbert Cortez and his K-9 who died in the line of duty on March 25, 2013. Sergeant Cortez was an Eastvale resident. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 19th at 2 p.m. at American Heroes Park, 6608 Hellman Ave Eastvale, CA 92880. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

The ceremony is being coordinated by the community, in collaboration with his family, which includes Eastvale residents, businesses, community groups, and organizations. The memorial dedication ceremony will include speakers from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the City of Eastvale, Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, Eastvale Little League, Corona-Norco Unified School District, and Jurupa Community Services District.

Sergeant Cortez was part of the Southern Regional K-9 Unit. His career with the CDCR began in 1990. Sergeant Cortez is survived by his wife, their two children, and his parents.

American Heroes Park is dedicated to Eastvale residents who have died in the line of duty while serving the public.

Should the parking lot become full, we recommend parking on the side streets to the park.

For information about the ceremony, please call the City of Eastvale’s Public Information Officer, Michele Nissen, at (951) 361-0900 Ext. 415.