Viewing Held For Fallen Veteran LAPD Motorcycle Officer

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A viewing was held Monday for fallen LAPD motorcycle officer Chris Cortijo, who was struck and killed by a driver who was allegedly high on drugs.

Friends, comrades and family arrived at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills to pay their respects, along with a stream of visitors.

Among the many mourners of the 26-year LAPD veteran was department Chief Charlie Beck.

"It's so sad, it's so tragic that a man that spent his whole adult life protecting others from those dangers of the road succumbs to them himself," Chief beck said.

Cortijo, 51, died on April 9, which was four days after being struck by the suspected DUI driver in Sun Valley. He had committed himself to protecting the public from DUI drivers throughout his career, recording over 3,000 arrests.

A Pacoima woman was arrested for DUI and possession of cocaine after the incident.

Cortijo is described as a man who fervently dedicated himself to his job and his family.

"He treated me like I was his own son," officer Cortijo's nephew Jonathon Navarro said, wearing a pin his uncle had received from the LAPD. "He treated me with very tough love, like, he loved me a lot. I made this promise to him that I would do good in school and have a career in my life, and be a good person like him. I'll always love him. He'll always be in my heart."

Cortijo's funeral service and burial is scheduled for Tuesday. Coverage of the event is set to begin at 9 a.m.