Holly MatkinSan Diego, CA – San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Officer David Sisto died in the line of duty on Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency while on the scene of a call.
Officer Sisto, 39, was out on patrol with a trainee in the northeastern division at approximately 2:50 a.m. when he was dispatched to the Carmel Mountain neighborhood for a welfare check, KSWB reported.
The caller reported that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
When Officer Sisto and the trainee arrived at the scene, another officer had already detained a male subject and requested for paramedics to respond, according to police.
Several minutes later, Officer Sisto began experiencing shortness of breath, the SDPD said in a press release on Tuesday.
A second ambulance was dispatched to the scene to rush Officer Sisto to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to KSWB.
“It is with a heavy heart that the San Diego Police Department announce the tragic passing this morning of Officer David Sisto #6841,” the SDPD said in the press release.
Officer Sisto’s death is being investigated by the SDPD’s homicide unit, as per standard protocol for line-of-duty deaths, KSWB reported.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has not released any information regarding his cause of death.
Officer Sisto, an 11-year department veteran, was a “decorated officer” who received two Commanding Officer Citations in 2013 and 2016 and a Life Saving Medal Award in 2014, according to his department.
He leaves behind his wife and two sons, ages five and three, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
“We lost a good man today,” the fallen officer’s father, David Sisto Sr., told the paper. “He was a very good, caring person. You wouldn’t meet anyone who didn’t like him. He was solid, the rock of the family. I’m his dad, and he was my rock. He took care of everyone.”
He said his son “loved to protect and serve” and was devoted to his career as a SDPD officer, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
“The San Diego Police Department want to extend our sincere condolences to Officer David Sisto’s family during this difficult time,” the SDPD said in the press release. “We ask that you keep your thoughts and prayers with the Sisto family. Rest easy brother, we’ll hold the line from here.”
I'm deeply saddened about the tragic passing of Officer David Sisto, a 10 yr veteran. He passed away this morning due to medical complications while on a radio call. I want to extend my sincere condolences to Officer Sisto’s family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zVPxPqErre
— David Nisleit (@ChiefNisleit) February 2, 2021
Condolences to my fellow @LCCMavs’ family, friends, & loved ones. @SanDiegoPD Officer David Sisto was a loving father, caring husband, & loyal friend. Officer Sisto was a long-time friend to former D6 staffer, Dan. Sending our thoughts and prayers during this time of need. 💙🖤 https://t.co/cYpZ2J4zWo
— Chris Cate (@chrisjcate) February 3, 2021
We are heartbroken with the loss of one of our own @SanDiegoPD Officer David Sisto. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, friends & loved ones as we mourn for his sudden passing. We pray for God’s Comfort & Strength.💔🙏🏼😢 #NeverForget #SDPD6841 #BlessedAreThePeaceMakers pic.twitter.com/rgqNK2tesv
— SD-PANPAC (@SD_PANPAC) February 3, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of San Diego Police Department Officer David Sisto, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
