A California police officer has died by "apparent suicide" while on duty, with his colleagues stating that there are "no words to express the sadness".
Officer Misael "Mase" Aguayo began his career in 2004 as a teenager before being sworn in as a police officer in 2006, as reported by PEOPLE.
The Tulare Police Department wrote on Facebook: "Mase has had a successful and exciting journey as a police officer. During his 18-year career he was assigned to various specialty units.
"Mase did not only learn to quickly adapt to various assignments but also demonstrated the ability to shine. These assignments included Crime Specifics Unit, where he was a Gang Detective. He was on SWAT for 15 years and was an Assistant Team leader."
The statement continued that the officer supported young people by being a School Resource Officer and had also been a K-9 officer and was most recently assigned to the Homeless Assistance Liaison Officer team.
Sadly, the statement revealed that officers attempted to contact Officer Aguayo on the afternoon of April 4, but their attempts were unsuccessful.
The statement went on: "A search for the officer was conducted and he was located. It is with a heavy heart that Tulare Police Department found the officer deceased of an apparent suicide. The amount of grief felt by all officers and staff is tremendous."
Messages of condolence have been pouring in for Officer Aguayo, including the statement which read: "Mase has been a shining star with the Tulare Police Department since the beginning. His cheerful and upbeat personality was contagious to say the least. Mase will forever be in our hearts and there are no words to express the sadness felt by all of us."
A GoFundMe page has been set up in order to support his wife and four children that he is survived by, and it has raised $36,000 at the time of writing.
"[Officer Aguayo] never failed to light up any room he walked into, his laugh and smile were infectious and he left a lasting impression on every person he met. To say he loved his people something fierce is an understatement," part of the heartbreaking message on the fundraising page reads.
Our thoughts are with Officer Aguayo's loved ones at this time.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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