AVONDALE, AZ — The funeral service for fallen Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Ruiz took place on Tuesday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale.
Watch the procession for fallen Deputy Ruiz in the player below.
Watch the services in the player below.
Ruiz was 45 years old and with MCSO for nearly three years. His friends describe him as a kind-hearted soul and a hard worker.
Ruiz died last week after being attacked by a suspect while placing him in a holding cell at an Avondale substation.
Since that day, MCSO Chief Deputy Russ Skinner tells ABC15 the support from the community has been overwhelming. He says Tuesday's service, which included a full law enforcement procession, gave Ruiz the recognition he deserves.
"To give them the full service, send them off with the dignity and respect that they deserve in honor of their service to the agency and the community means a lot," he said.
"It helps bring closure. It definitely is again, to the level of being able to do something like this, is a huge honor to be apart of."
