CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Funeral services were held Friday for senior Corpus Christi police officer Vicente Ortiz, Jr.
The 15-year veteran of the department was described as a loving father, husband and a protector. It was two weeks ago, when Ortiz was struck and thrown from his motorcycle as he was working traffic control on a funeral along Kostoryz.
He fought hard but over this past weekend, Ortiz died from his injuries.
Services took place at the San Patricio County Fairgrounds in Sinton which was packed with community members and a strong showing of law enforcement from across South Texas.
The final salute for Senior Officer Vicente Ortiz Jr. was an emotional but also beautiful and fitting tribute to the hometown hero.
"My respects to the boys in blue and for our fallen hero, Vicente Ortiz Jr., you will be missed my friend," Ortiz's cousin, David Cedillo said.
Cedillo said he got a chance to ride along with his family member while he was on the job.
"I got to see it first hand and got to see his courage and strength, the respect grew enormously with that ride along, my respects to 'VJ' a great buddy and friend," he said.
Known as 'Vince' or 'VJ' to his loved ones, the officer leaves behind a legacy of courage and selflessness, the community making sure that is never be forgotten.
"I've known them for half my life but this is the norm for Sinton when we lose somebody, especially a hometown hero, we all come together we show support in any way possible," resident Mari James said.
"Whenever anything like this happens in Sinton we always come together as a community, the Ortiz family is an amazing family very very sad time for Sinton, but we will get through it, God is good," Sinton Mayor pro-tempore Greg Ybarra said.
A graduate of Sinton High School, Ortiz previously worked at TxDOT for a decade before he went on to become a police officer, serving with the department for 15 years.
During his career, Ortiz was awarded twice for his heroism, one of which was for saving the life of his father.
"I'm going to tell you, it made me cry I swear to God, my tears rolled down my eyes, the support the people have for the parents' sake also to realize his son was really appreciated for everything he's done," Tony Maldonado said.
A devoted husband and father of two children, Ortiz was known for his sense of humor and his ability to bring laughter and light to the toughest situations.
As a last tribute over the police radio a final call went out.
"Sr. Officer Ortiz Jr. End of Watch June 1, 2024, thank you for your dedication to the citizens of Corpus Christi, may you rest in eternal peace knowing your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here."
Ortiz was 44 years old.