NOGALES, AZ — April 27 2019 marks one year since Nogales Police Officer Jesus Cordova was killed in the line of duty while investigating a carjacking. Saturday morning, the community in Nogales came together to not only remember the officer, but honor him for eternity.
A father, husband, and brother to so many in the law enforcement, Jesus Cordova is remembered by his fellow officers as someone who lit up the room with his personality and desire to better the world.
“We really want to be able to represent our feelings and gratitude for his sacrifice,” said Tony Estrada Santa Cruz County Sheriff.
As hundreds gathered at the Nogales Police Station, the community honored their fallen officer as Police Chief Roy Bermudez delivered his wife Alyssa with Jesus’s purple heart.
“The community of Nogales has united in light of this tragedy and taken us under their wing. I'm sure hes looking down from heaven proud to be a Nogalesy,” said Jesus's wife Alyssa.
For family and friends, they say April 27 now represents new beginnings. Even though Cordova is gone, his legacy will never be forgotten. The stations entrance now displaying a memorial plaque, and the park in which City Hall and the police station neighbor has been renamed in Cordova’s honor.
"Officer Cordova’s memory was never going to die, generations with me and generations to come, his name is going to be here forever,” said Nogales Police Chief Roy Bermudez
Across town, for the second straight year, the Jesus M. Cordova Memorial Foundation was honoring their fallen hero by playing the game he loved. Organizers say the annual softball tournament is an opportunity to smile, laugh and share countless memories.
"With the community loving baseball, with 'Chuey' loving baseball that a great way to bring the community together. said VP of the Memorial Wences Ruiz.
In the years to come, the foundation hopes to rename a field in honor of Jesus.
