By Ryan Hagen
San Bernardino County Sun
BEAUMONT, Calif. — A lot fades away in half a year.
After working nearly nonstop since August to help their son, San Bernardino police Officer Gabriel Garcia, recover from a gun shot to the head, the Garcias’ yard was one of those things.
It needed a lot of work, said retired Capt. Ron Garcia, as did the interior of the home — particularly, modifications to make Garcia’s recovery easier — and from Tuesday until today, it’s getting that help, courtesy of The Home Depot and dozens of fellow officers.
As the younger Garcia has grown stronger and eventually returned home, it seems there’s been no fading of the love and care felt for him by his fellow officers — or by other community members.
“A lot of things, it’s on the news, and a couple of days later people have moved on,” said Sgt. Steve Turner, one of those helping re-create the yard Thursday. “The way the public is still supporting him and his sacrifice six months later, it means a heck of a lot.”
Improvements included hand rails Garcia can use with his unwounded side, irrigation, paint and a new lawn.
“I think he’s going to spend a lot of time out here, and I think it’s going to help,” said Ron Garcia, who retired in December. “This isn’t something everyone in this situation gets, and we really appreciate it.”
Copyright 2015 the San Bernardino County Sun