By Forrest Revere
Shifting from tragedy to reflection, friends, coworkers, and family gathered March 14 at Willowbrook County Park for the unveiling of the memorial area in honor of Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller.
Faviola Del Real, widow of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, holds their youngest while speaking at the dedication.
The new memorial area includes a brick and concrete reflection area, flagpole, plaque and inscriptions eternalizing Gutzwiller’s sacrifice. As a lasting tribute to Sgt. Gutzwiller, his boots and those of his family have been embedded at the memorial to serve as a cherished sanctuary for solace and reflection.
“This park, and this memorial, helps us write a new chapter. One that combines community love and remembrance with the happiness that only a park and outdoor spaces can bring,” Supervisor Zach Friend said. “Damon’s presence is strong at Willowbrook and now we have elements that join to honor his memory and bring the same joy to the community that he brought to life.”
This event commemorated the third, and final, phase of park enhancements which comes on the heels of the sport court renovations and playground improvements welcoming people of all ages and abilities.
Work began in 2022 as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who dedicated 14 years in service to the Santa Cruz community and the Sheriff’s Office.
He grew up in Santa Cruz County and owned his first home in the Willowbrook neighborhood, often playing in the park with his beloved dog, Shasta.
Serene walking paths beckon for leisurely strolls, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said, “County Parks is very grateful to be able to provide a place that will become an everlasting dedication for Damon and his memory. The impact of his sacrifice is demonstrated by the hard work and dedication our community put forth to make it happen. It is an honor to have such beautiful upgrades and especially the seating area, which provides such a powerful place of reflection.”
The park renovations and memorial area were made possible by numerous community donations including the Santa Cruz County Deputy Association who provided their largest donation in the organization’s history. Many members of the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association were present and stood in continued support to Gutzwiller’s family.
Ethan Rumrill, DSA president, said “This memorial is more than simply a reminder of the sacrifice paid by Damon the day he was killed, and the sacrifices of his family, friends, colleagues and this community every day since. It is a place of reflection and appreciation for all that Damon lived for and how much he still means to this community today. We are extremely grateful to all the individuals and organizations that have helped design, fund, and build this beautiful space in Damon’s honor.”
Faviola Del Real, widow of Sgt. Gutzwiller and mother of their two children, expressed her heartfelt sentiments, saying, “I hope that they can come here at different stages in their life and think about him and make good memories.”
Paying their respects
Gratitude was extended to the donors, whose generosity was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
Special recognition was expressed to Tom Ralston of Ralston Concrete, Steve Sutherland of SSA Landscape Architects and K&D Landscaping for their invaluable contributions. Project support was provided by County Park Friends, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the office of Supervisor Zach Friend, and County Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services.
It is through their collective dedication and generosity that Willowbrook Park stands as a symbol of remembrance, unity, and enduring love.
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The Fatal Call
On June 6, 2020, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller was 38 when he responded to a call that ended his life.
He was in Ben Lomond with other deputies investigating a suspicious van with guns and explosives when Steven Carrillo, 32, a former Air Force sergeant fired, killing Gutzwiller and injuring two deputies.
In 2022, Carrillo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.
On May 29, 2020, in Oakland, Carrillo fatally shot Protective Services Officer Dave Patrick Underwood and wounded a second officer, firing an AR-style rifle from a van driven by Robert Alvin Justus Jr., 34, of Millbrae. In 2022, Carrillo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 41 years in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office Northern District, Carrillo admitted he “aligned himself with an anti-government ideology and wanted to carry out violent acts against federal law enforcement.”
TOP PHOTO: Faviola Del Real, widow of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, walks to the memorial at Willowbrook Park with their two children.