JONESBORO, Ga. — Family, friends and fellow officers said their goodbyes to a 22-year-old Clayton County police officer who was killed in a crash.
Officer Armando Mendoza was heading to an off-duty job last week when he crashed at Tara Boulevard and North Main Street. He died at the scene.
A celebration of life was held inside Life of Joy Church Monday afternoon, where story after story was shared about Mendoza. The full service was streamed on the Clayton County Police Department Facebook page.
Many of the mourners wore pink in memory of the officer because that was his favorite color. Family and colleagues said he lived life to the fullest and made people laugh.
“It’s most appropriate that we’re here in the Light of Joy because Armando was just that. A light of joy,” said Clayton County Chief Kevin Roberts.
The county commission also made a proclamation honoring Mendoza’s work. The officer joined the department last year.
“He was the type of person and officer this country and county need more of,” chairman Jeffrey Turner said.
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In the days after the officer’s death, Channel 2′s Tom Jones has spoken with those who knew Mendoza best.
“When you see people like him that this community needed leave the way he left...It’s a hell of a void and nobody’s going to fill it man,” friend Ben Montgomery said.
Sandy Creek High School Principal Richard Smith said the 22-year-old was a shining star when he was a student. Mendoza played on the baseball team, was involved in fine arts and was an all-around good person.
“Just an outstanding young man. Fantastic. Always had a smile on his face,” Smith said.
Montgomery owns the cleaners in the plaza where Mendoza’s mother owns a restaurant. He met Mendoza when he worked there before becoming an officer.
He said Mendoza told him he wanted to become an officer and his mother supported the decision.
“There’s so many parents out there like I said that don’t want their kids to be on the force but his mom welcomed that. And she knew the dangers of the job And it’s our job in the community to support people like that man. It hurts,” Montgomery said.
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