By Kieran Kelly
The Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association announced the largest gift in the union’s history: A $100,000 “challenge grant” for the Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller Memorial at Willowbrook Park in Aptos.
The Association’s membership voted to make the gift in memory of Sgt. Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of duty on June 6, 2020.
“The contribution is a commitment to the community, to Damon’s family and to our fallen brother,” said DSA president Ethan Rumrill. “This project brings all of us together, and we invite everyone to remember Damon by making this project a reality through their own contributions.”
The donation was made public Feb. 14 when the association presented a check to the nonprofit County Park Friends.
DSA members hope the community will match or exceed the donation, with many local community members and businesses having already contributed another $18,000 to the memorial.
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association presents check for $100,000 donation for the Sgt. Gutzwiller Memorial Project at Willowbrook Park. Left to right, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Lt. Nicholas Baldrige, Santa Cruz County DSA President Ethan Rumrill, County Park Friends Executive Director Mariah Roberts, and County Park Friends Board Chair Terry Corwin. • Photo Credit: Kieran Kelly
Red Apple Cafe in Aptos is donating a portion of all sales in February to Sgt. Gutzwiller’s memorial.
“This is a transformative contribution from those that loved and worked with Sgt. Gutzwiller,” said County Supervisor Zach Friend. “My hope is that their gift inspires others in our community to bring improvements and a memorial — to a park he loved — one step closer.”
The memorial will be constructed at Willowbrook County Park and it will include the installation of a circular memorial seating area that looks out towards a new flagpole.
As part of the project, updates and enhancements will also be made to the park’s entrance, play areas, and sport courts.
The project’s supporters selected Willowbrook Park for the memorial site because Sgt. Gutzwiller was a resident of the surrounding neighborhood and could be frequently found there with his dog, Shasta.
“We are grateful to see the continuing support and love from our neighbors,” said Faviola Del Real, Gutzwiller’s widow. “We have lost so much, and this project will stand as a reminder that there is one thing we will never lose – the memory of the sacrifice that Damon made on behalf of his hometown.”
In partnership with the nonprofit County Park Friends, the Willowbrook Park Gutzwiller Memorial campaign aims to raise $805,000 in community donations and sponsorships through a variety of giving opportunities.
Visit www.countyparkfriends.org/willowbrook.html for more information, schematics of planned park renovations or to make a donation.