(Lawrenceville, Georgia)  The Gwinnett County Police Department family is mourning the loss of one of our own.  Officer Victor Cortez passed away this past Sunday, January 28 after a 7-month battle with cancer.  Victor began his career with GCPD on February 18, 2014.  He graduated from the 89^th police academy on 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 loving husband and father to a 2 year old and 5 month old. 

Victor was born in Tucson, Arizona and grew up traveling the world thanks to his father's position as a DEA Special Agent.  At age 20, he enlisted in the US 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 3 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, Victor 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.  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 Victor Cortez will be held on Thursday, February 1 between 2pm-6pm.  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, February 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.

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