Crime & Safety
Police, Fire, Mayor Mourn Loss Of Officer
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Officer Luciano Ortega."
![Police and Fire in San Francisco are mourning the loss of Officer Luciano Ortega, who's death was announced by police on July 28, 2024.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22880695/20240729/123856/styles/patch_image/public/ortega___29123811303.jpg)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Police in San Francisco are mourning the loss of one of their fellow officers who spent nearly a decade on the force, the department posted on social media Sunday afternoon.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Officer Luciano Ortega," read a post from San Francisco police on X. "Officer Ortega was dedicated to keeping the City of San Francisco safe for the past 9 years, most recently working out of Mission Station."
Police have not released any further information about Ortega's death.
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Ortega was born in San Francisco, according to a video about himself that he created for the Police Department that was posted to social media in August 2022.
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a police officer," he said.
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As a child, Ortega said he viewed officers as "modern day superheroes."
"It's really great to give back to a community that I was born in," he said. "This is the only job that really I've ever wanted to do, and the only time I've worked at a job where I felt that it was actually a secure fit."
The San Francisco Fire Department also posted about Ortega on Sunday on X.
"The San Francisco Fire Department Family mourns, with our law enforcement brothers and sisters, the loss of SFPD Officer Luciano Ortega," reads the post.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed also posted about the officer.
"My heart goes out to Officer Luciano Ortega's family, his friends, and to our entire SFPD," she wrote on X. "Officer Ortega went out every day to take care of our residents, our neighborhood and our entire city, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. He was truly making San Francisco a better place through his work and his life, and he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace."
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