In loving memory of Sergeant Gilbert Cortez

California Department of Corrections

End of Watch: 3/25/2013

California Department of Corrections Sergeant Gilbert Cortez, 46, and his K9, Mattie, died March 25, 2013 in an automobile accident in San Diego County.

Sergeant Cortez was part of a convoy of state corrections K9 officers who were en route to inspect the La Cima Fire Camp in a rural part of the county. His marked vehicle veered off the roadway and overturned, killing K9 Mattie. Sergeant Cortez was transported to a local fire station but died before a helicopter could reach him.

Sergeant Cortez had served with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 23 years and was assigned to the Southern Regional K-9 Unit.

He is survived by his wife and two children.