SDPD officer, a Marine veteran, dies after battle with cancer

A 43-year-old San Diego Police Department officer and Marine veteran has died after a year-and-a-half battle with pancreatic cancer, it was announced Wednesday.

Lt. Brian Avera spent nearly two decades with the SDPD and fought the disease since 2024, according to the department.

Avera joined the SDPD in 2006, served six years on the San Diego Police Officers Association Board, two years on the Executive Board of PORAC and held a leadership role as Metro Chapter president of the National Latino Peace Officers Association.

“Brian was a dedicated San Diego Police Department Lieutenant, a proud Marine who served in Iraq, and a lecturer in San Diego State University’s Criminal Justice program. He devoted his life to service — both to his country and to his community,” according to a statement from Peace Officer’s Research Association of California.

Avera is survived by his wife, Hillary, and their two children, Ava, 8, and Brian Jr., 4.

The PORAC is raising funds for the Avera family, with all proceeds going to support a memorial service for Lt. Avera and to assist his family. A date for the memorial service has not yet been set.