The El Monte Police Department is honoring two officers who were killed in the line of duty two years ago

The El Monte Police Department honored two of its officers who were shot and killed during his military service two years ago, on June 14.

Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana responded to a domestic violence call between a boyfriend and a girlfriend at a motel, where they were ambushed by the shooter.

The suspect then fled to the motel parking lot before another shootout with police occurred. The suspect, 35-year-old Justin Flores, was also fatally shot and died at the scene

Wreaths bearing the names of the fallen officers were displayed Friday outside the El Monte Police Department, where a 24-hour honor guard had been set up.

Two teams of officers in full Class A uniform stood at attention, at post and then at ease for 15 minutes to honor the two officers.

El Monte Police Chief Jake Fisher said the loss of the officers has been a difficult tragedy for the department to overcome.

“We’re a very close-knit department, we’re only 127 sworn in, so everyone pretty much knows everyone. But we’re going to be more resilient, we’re going to be more resilient in the future. In a way, we’re closer together than we were in the past, and a little bit more family-oriented ,” Fisher said.

The chief said the two were honorable men, fathers and husbands. He said the department and foundation have offered the families some financial assistance and set up college accounts for their children.

Paredes, 42, had been a member of the El Monte Police Department since 2000. He is survived by his wife and two children. Santana, 31, joined the El Monte department in 2021 and is survived by his wife and three children. Both men lived in Upland.

“Many priorities have changed, no matter how short and precious life is and how important it is to honor the ultimate sacrifice that both Michael and Joesph made,” Fisher said.