Holly MatkinLos Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Jose Anzora died in the line of duty on Wednesday after having been hit by a vehicle several days earlier.
The 31-year-old officer was outside his vehicle directing traffic near the intersection of Trinity Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 when he was struck by a motorist, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.
The driver who crashed into the veteran officer remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
Officer Anzora was rushed to the hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries on March 3.
“Our hearts are heavy once again as we mourn the loss of Police Officer II Jose Anzora…who passed away earlier today following a heroic battle for his life after being injured while on-duty,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a press release.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Officer Anzora’s wife, family, colleagues, and friends in this most difficult time,” Chief Moore’s read. “His passing is a loss for not only his brothers and sisters in the LAPD, but for the people of Los Angeles for whom he gave his life.”
Officer Anzora joined the LAPD in 2011, and was most recently assigned to the Newton Area.
“On behalf of the Board of Police Commissioners, I want to express our condolences to the family, fellow officers and civilians with whom Officer Anzora served and the entire LAPD family,” Board of Police Commissioners President Eileen Decker said, according to the press release.
“This is such a tragedy and words cannot express the loss to all,” Decker added. “We thank him for his service to our City of Angels and may he rest in peace.”
Officer Anzora leaves behind his wife, mother, and his family.
“Officer Anzora, thank you for your service,” Chief Moore wrote. “May God welcome you home and may God bless the Los Angeles Police Department.”
Today we lost a guardian & protector. LAPD Officer Jose Anzora served for nearly a decade. He tragically lost his life in the selfless service in the communities in South LA. Our gratitude to the medical professionals who fought so hard to save his life. May God welcome him home pic.twitter.com/177494e653
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) March 4, 2021
LAPD Officer Jose Luis Anzora
Serial Number 40848
End Of Watch 03/03/2021
Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/ILlMOqMVVE— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 4, 2021
The night sky was lit up to honor our fallen hero, Officer Jose Anzora.
To all the agencies that stood in formation, we say thank you.
To all the media that showed respect to our fallen officer, we say thank you.
To all Angelenos that sent their condolences, we say thank you. pic.twitter.com/OuUrc6ojsY
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 4, 2021
Each day, there are angels in our city who protect us.
Officer Jose Anzora was one of them.
He was more than a badge.
He was a son, husband, and hero who put his life on the line to keep us safe.
We hold him and his family in our prayers tonight. https://t.co/WJeMep7mUC
— MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) March 4, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Jose Anzora, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
