SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own.
SDPD Lt. Brian Avera has passed away at the age of 43 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. According to the department, Avera had been fighting the disease since 2024, when it spread throughout his body.
Avera dedicated nearly two decades of service to SDPD, joining the force in 2006. Beyond his work locally, he also served his country as a United States Marine in Iraq.
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Colleagues say Avera was deeply committed not only to public service, but also to supporting fellow officers. He served six years on the San Diego Police Officers Association Board, two years on the Executive Board of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), and held a leadership role as Metro Chapter President of the National Latino Peace Officers Association…