Blue Light Salute Organized in Webster for Officer Manny Ortiz

Written by Jasmine

A blue light salute has been organized for fallen Rochester Police Officer Manny Ortiz in Webster, the town where he lived for more than a decade.

Officer Ortiz tragically lost his life when he was accidentally shot in the leg with his personal weapon while driving to work. After the gun went off and hit a major artery, Ortiz lost control of his SUV and plunged 100 yards down a ravine on Empire Boulevard.

“This just shows how much people loved Manny,” said neighbor Jennifer Spina. “We’re a close community and we just want the family to know we’re thinking about them, we’re praying for them, and we’re here and they’re not alone.”

A portion of the blue lights used in this salute were donated by Home Depot and Walmart, although most of them were purchased by dedicated neighbors showing their support.

A GoFundMe account was put in place for Officer Ortiz’s family by the Rochester Police Department. He is survived by his fiance and three children. If you would like to support the family of Officer Ortiz, click here.