San Diego plans to rename a Clairemont park in honor of San Diego police Officer Austin Machitar, who died when a fleeing driver crashed into his patrol car in the neighborhood last year.
The push to rename North Clairemont Community Park came from Mayor Todd Gloria as a way to recognize his service, leadership and dedication, the city said in a news release Thursday.
“I promised Officer Machitar’s family that I would never let our city forget the sacrifice he made in service to our community,” Gloria said in a statement. “Renaming this park in the neighborhood he served is a meaningful way for us to honor his memory and ensure future generations know the legacy he left.”
Machitar, 30, died Aug. 26, killed when a teenage driver fleeing from other officers crashed into his patrol vehicle. He is the 35th San Diego Police Department officer killed in the line of duty.
Officials said the park, at Bannock and Genesee avenues, was selected given its proximity of less than a mile and a half from the crash scene and given Machitar’s service to the neighborhood.
The San Diego Police Officers Association is donating money for new signs and park updates. The work is expected to be completed this summer, and a renaming ceremony could happen late summer or early fall.
In the city news release, association President Jared Wilson thanked the mayor and community partners “who have helped ensure we have a permanent memorial that honors the commitment, generosity and dedication (Machitar’s) time on the force represents.”
Other ers of the proposal to rename the park included the Greater North Clairemont Community Recreation Group, Clairemont Community Planning Group, the Clairemont Town Council. and City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, whose district includes the area.
Featured in the department’s recruiting materials, Machitar had been a San Diego police officer for five and a half years. He worked patrol in the Northern Division and was also a training officer.
The son of a retired San Diego County deputy sheriff, he grew up in Chula Vista and was a 2012 graduate of Otay Ranch High School, where he played varsity baseball.
The deadly crash happened just after 11:30 p.m. on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard west of Interstate 805. The 16-year-old driving the car that collided with the police patrol vehicle was also killed in the crash.
Officer Zachary Martinez, who was riding in the enger seat of the patrol vehicle, sustained life-threatening injuries. He returned to full duty in December.
