All Los Angeles County flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff this week in memory of El Monte Police Department Senior Detective Armando “Mando” Santa Anna, Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis announced Monday.
Santa Anna died Sunday due to complications from a preplanned surgery related to a work-related injury, according to Solis. He was 52.
Santa Anna was a 24-year veteran of the El Monte Police Department, serving in assignments that included patrol, school resource officer, and, most recently, senior detective.
Santa Anna was a second baseman for Upper Iowa University and the Lafayette Leopards of the independent Heartland League and later became a scout.
“Detective Santa Anna dedicated his life to protecting the people of El Monte,” Solis said in a statement.
“As someone who lives in this city, I share in the deep loss felt across our community. I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones, colleagues, and all those who knew him. May his legacy of service continue to inspire us all.”
El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Vivian Longoria.called Santa Anna “a true pillar of our El Monte community.”
“He gave so much of himself through his work as a detective and through the guidance and encouragement he offered others,” Longoria said in a statement. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers. His dedication and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.”
Santa Anna is survived by his wife, Claudia, along with his son, Tyus, and daughter Julianni.