Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit crash honored at memorial service

Fallen Fil-Am police officer Austin Machitar was honored at a memorial service on Saturday. Screencap from Shadow Mountain Community Church video

SAN DIEGO – Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in the line of duty last month, was honored Saturday at a memorial service in El Cajon. He was 30.

“Our City stands united in grief over the death of this brave soul,” said Todd Gloria, the Fil-Am mayor of San Diego, who paid a special tribute to Machitar during the service at Shadow Mountain Community Church.

“He lived a life by the code of service, courage and sacrifice. For five-and-a-half years, he served our department knowing the risks yet never hesitating to protect and serve.”

Machitar was killed in a fiery crash in San Diego while pursuing a suspect, who allegedly fled from an attempted late-night traffic stop.

Gloria said Machitar was known for having an “extremely positive attitude” and for his infectious smile that was “as bright as San Diego’s sunniest day.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (on stage) pays tribute to fallen police officer Austin Machitar. Screencap from Shadow Mountain Community Church video

“That smile, his charisma and movie star good looks landed him in the department’s brochures and videos, helping our City to fill the ranks of our police department with some of San Diego’s finest,” he said.

Gloria said Machitar came from a family of public servants who were passionate about helping others, citing his grandfather, who was a member of the US Navy, and his father, retired San Diego Deputy Sheriff Chris Machitar.

Addressing Chris Machitar, SDPD Chief of Police Scott Wahl said, “You raised one heck of a young man and an exemplary police officer. He was such a good kid and had unlimited potential.”

The memorial service opened with a prelude by pianist Michael Sanchez, and a welcome and opening prayer by San Diego Police Department Chaplain Chuck Price, who described Machitar as “funny, humble, charismatic, generous, genuine, dependable, respected and respectful.”

Special tributes were also paid by Sgt. Andrew Schidecker, Sen. Steve Padilla, cousins Julian Chanfreau and McKenzie Holt and sister Asia Machitar.

Screencap from Shadow Mountain Community Church video

“You were meant to make a difference and you did just that. It’s amazing seeing how much of a positive impact you left on everyone, you’re so missed. Thank you for always checking in, thank you for the encouragement, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the friendship, and thank you for the memories. We have the watch from here Austin, rest easy, you’re so loved,” San Diego Sheriff’s Office Deputy Crystal Corona said.

The service concluded after nearly three hours with a flag folding and presentation by the SDPD Honor Guard, and a 21-gun salute.

On Aug. 26 at 11:30 p.m., Officer Machitar was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, 27, were responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided Officer Machitar’s patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames.

Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but survived the crash and was present and also honored at Machitar’s service. Officer Martinez was released from hospital care on Sept. 3.

The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the crash.

“We all miss you tremendously, Austin. It is so tragic, anger-inducing, and cosmically unfair what happened to you and Zach. I remember when you first started at Northern Division years ago. You were so eager to get involved and learn and you were always helpful and positive. Truly in it for all the right reasons. The radio calls and arrests come and go in the tides of our memories, but it’s the little things that we’ll remember forever. The department, the city and our community has lost someone truly irreplaceable,” SDPD Officer Nick Marino said.

Officer Machitar had served with the San Diego Police Department for over five years. He is survived by his parents and sister.