Beloved Gwinnett Officer, Iraq Vet Loses Battle To Cancer

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — The Gwinnett County Police Department family is mourning the loss of one of their own. Officer Victor Cortez passed away Sunday, Jan. 28 after a seven-month battle with cancer. Cortez began his career with the department Feb. 18, 2014. He graduated from the 89th police academy July 31, 2014.

According to the GoFundMe page that was previously set up for his medical expenses, Victor was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer that spread to his lungs in July 2017. He was a husband and father to a 2- year-old and 5-month-old.

Victor was born in Tucson, Az., and grew up traveling the world thanks to his father's position as a DEA Special Agent. At age 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing basic training and other necessary training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga., with the 1st Ranger Battalion. He deployed three times with his unit - twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.

In 2006, he was honorably discharged from the Army and moved to the DC area to finish college. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., in 2009.

In recent months, Cortez stepped back from his duties in the Gang Unit to focus on his treatment. His partners in CID have been focused on helping the Cortez family in the past couple of months. They were even beside him at the very end.

"Victor was a very kind man who always had a smile on his face," said Cpl. Michele Pihera, Gwinnett police. "He loved his family and being part of the Gwinnett County Police Department. "He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."

His supervisor, Lt. Edward Restrepo said, “This exceptional officer, Army veteran, loving husband, father of two, and great friend will be tremendously missed. Anyone who was fortunate to cross paths with him can attest to what a truly special individual he was. This place will never be the same without him.”

Visitation services for Cortez will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 2-6 p.m. The services will be held at the Wages and Sons Funeral Home at 1031 Lawrenceville Highway in Lawrenceville. The public is invited to attend.

A private Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 2.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Victor.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department