CVPD officer remembered compassion and service after unexpected death

Chula Vista, California (KGTV) – The flags remain with the Chula Vista police department in half -relay, while they mourn the loss of a veteran official who has died unexpectedly.

A funeral took place on Friday afternoon for the chula Vista police officer, Manny Padilla, in the Eastlake Church.

Chula Vista Police Department of the colleague's loss of grief

“It just feels like a hole in my heart,” said Bianca, Padilla's daughter.

According to Bianca, Padilla, 53, died of an aortic tear, probably in connection with high blood pressure, for which he took medication. His wife Norma discovered him in her garage.

Bianca says that a few weeks after her father's death, she is still shocked.

“He was in the garage and trained. Then she saw him,” said Bianca. “I know the precious man, the biggest heart.

Padilla worked as a patrol police at the Chula Vista Police Department for more than 18 years. His daughter says he was attracted to serve others.

“He loved his job and does the people back to feel safe … He knew that he could do it for his community,” said Bianca.

Detective David Martinez called Padilla a friend and co -officer.

“If someone has his worst day, he wants someone who is compassionate, understanding and friendly. That was definitely Manny,” said Martinez.

Padilla was also known for his willingness to work additional hours. He was a familiar face with the dispatchers, where he registered extended lessons for a short -tied department.

“They absolutely adopted him as one of their own. They worked out a lot of overtime. They loved him. They adopted him as one of their own,” said Martinez.

Padilla's death marks another loss for a department that still mourns the loss of the deputy boss Phil Collum, who died a year ago after a fight against cancer.

“It was definitely a hard lot. It bought us closer and gathered together,” said Martinez.

A Gofundme campaign was set up to support Padilla's family with funeral and other expenses.

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