San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch Monday, June 25, 1979
Add to My HeroesDennis Glenn Gonzales
Patrolman Dennis Gonzales was killed when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while making a traffic stop on I-8, just east of the Fairmount Avenue exit.
The 18-year-old suspect later turned himself in, claiming he did not know he struck anyone. The man pleaded guilty to misdemeaner manslaughter was sentenced to 30 days.
Patrolman Gonzales had served with the San Diego Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by vehicle
Most Recent Reflection
View all 28 ReflectionsHeavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.
Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];
"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM, NCCA
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
June 25, 2025
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