Emergency responders, elected officials react to shooting death of officer
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Law enforcement agencies, emergency responders and elected officials across the state are voicing their support for the San Luis Obispo Police Department following the shooting death of one of its officers.
The officer was killed and another was injured Monday evening after a shooting at an apartment in San Luis Obispo. The officers were serving a search warrant when they were fired on by a man believed to be Edward Zamora Giron. Girdon was found dead following the incident.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department hosted a press conference Tuesday to shed more light on the shooting. The department identified Detective Luca Benedetti as the officer killed Monday. Another detective, Steve Orozco was treated and released at the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The loss of the officer comes as the nation celebrates Police Week, which culminates with Peace Officers Memorial Day on Saturday. The day celebrates those who have given their lives in the service of local law enforcement.
Nearby law enforcement agencies and elected officials are sending their support for the department on social media:
"Tragedy struck the San Luis Obispo Police Department yesterday. My prayers are with the family of the deceased officer, the injured officer, and the entire law enforcement community."
Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo)
Cal Poly PD offers our prayers to the friends and families of the two San Luis Obispo Police Department Officers from last night shooting. Incidents such as this remind us of the dangers of this job and instill in us a stronger commitment to public safety of our communities.
— Cal Poly Police (@CalPolyPolice) May 11, 2021
Wednesday in #SantaMaria is Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Proclamation at https://t.co/HVgiEvlDUM. During #NationalPoliceWeek, we remember and honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, including the @SLOCityPolice Officer killed in the line of duty on Monday. pic.twitter.com/JMaSOxqDxw
— cityofsantamariaPIO (@City_SantaMaria) May 11, 2021
This has been utterly heartbreaking. Our department and entire professions hearts and prayers to the fallen officer, his family and the SLOPD. We honor you and will never forget your sacrifice while protecting your community. https://t.co/pAThj79p4U
— George Hughes (@calpolychief) May 11, 2021
"As some of you have already heard, last evening two San Luis Obispo police officers, doing their job, were shot in the line of duty, serving a search warrant. There will be a press conference regarding this incident at noon today. One officer was killed while the other was injured and is in the hospital in stable condition. This is the second officer involved shooting within the last year in our County. While this tragedy affects all of us, it directly affects those who serve to protect us all daily and their families. These individuals work everyday to keep us safe, in an increasingly difficult environment, and for that I want to personally thank them for their service."
District 4 Supervisor Lynn Compton
We will always stand with our brothers and sisters in blue. Prayers to the officer’s family and the San Luis Obispo Police Department during this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Qj6KwV7Qk7
— Templeton Fire & Emergency Services (@templetonfd) May 11, 2021
Our hearts are broken for our brothers and sisters of the San Luis Obispo Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, friends and fellow officers. #RIP #sanluisobispo pic.twitter.com/5m2HuaoJhY
— Atascadero Fire (@ATAFireL3600) May 11, 2021
Paso Robles Firefighters send our deepest condolences to the SLO Police Department and the City of SLO as we mourn the loss of their officer and keep our prayers for a full recovery of the other officer wounded. pic.twitter.com/707GI03Uo4
— Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services (@PasoRoblesES) May 11, 2021
"A tragic loss last night in San Luis Obispo City with the loss of a police officer on duty, and another wounded, thankfully stable. These brave individuals were serving our community, and now, their families are changed forever. My deep condolences to the officer’s families, San Luis Obispo Police Department, San Luis Obispo City Staff, and the entire community. This is National Police Officers Week, of all things, and here we are, in deep mourning. Brave, dedicated, and honorable citizens."
District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg
Our hearts are heavy! Please join us along with the friends, family and coworkers of the fallen and injured officers by keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.https://t.co/52nyYJJsss
— Pismo Beach Police Department (@PismoPolice) May 11, 2021
Representatives from state agencies also sent their regards on social media:
Our condolences to the department members and community of San Luis Obispo. Godspeed Officer. https://t.co/1tjO6V75uH
— San Jose Police Dept (@SanJosePD) May 11, 2021
We stand by the San Luis Obispo Police Department as they mourn the loss of one of their officers killed in the line of duty.
— Watsonville Police (@WatsonvillePD) May 11, 2021
We send our deepest condolences to the department and the officer’s friends and family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/Ir4o5wTaoy
Prayers and condolences for San Luis Obispo Police Department. An officer was killed in the line of duty yesterday. pic.twitter.com/lHOPNZZa83
— SFPD Central Station (@SFPDCentral) May 11, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the San Luis Obispo Police Department and the family of the officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. A second officer was injured and taken to the hospital in stable condition. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.@SLOCityPolice pic.twitter.com/KVdtREHB2E
— Kern County Sheriff's Office (@KernCoSheriff) May 11, 2021
Oakland Police Department send our prayers and condolences to the family, friends, community and San Luis Obispo Police Department. https://t.co/iiRVwlOpYH
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) May 11, 2021
Our hearts are with you, @SLOCityPolice.
— Mountain View Police (@MountainViewPD) May 11, 2021
Your officer’s service to and sacrifice for their community will not be forgotten. Your department, the officer’s family, and the entire San Luis Obispo community are in our thoughts. https://t.co/2riDaRF178
We have changed our profile picture in honor of National Police Week. Sadly, it comes as the San Luis Obispo Police Dept. is mourning the loss of one of their officers who was shot during a warrant service. Prayers for the family of that officer and the other who was wounded. pic.twitter.com/pM4A9BITLT
— Shasta Co. Sheriff (@ShastaSheriff) May 11, 2021
@SLOCityPolice @City_of_SLO https://t.co/bO9Iih6tgI pic.twitter.com/MYcxSNy4Ww
— Senator John Laird (@SenJohnLaird) May 11, 2021
"I am saddened that a member of our local law enforcement was killed and another was seriously injured in the line of duty in San Luis Obispo last night. My thoughts are with Detectives Benedetti and Orozco's loved ones, colleagues, and our entire community as we mourn their loss."
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara)