Remembering Officer J.D. Alvarado three years after his death

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- February 25 marks the anniversary of the death of Salinas Police Officer Jorge David "J.D." Alvarado Jr. who was killed in the line of duty.

Alvarado was an officer for Salinas Police beginning in 2020 after transferring from his prior position at Colma Police Department. He was also affectionately known as "J.D." to friends and family.

Officer Alvarado was making what would turn out to be his last traffic stop on Griffin and East Market Streets on February 25, 2022.

That stop would turn deadly as the suspect, later identified as Gustavo Morales, shot Alvarado as he sat in his car. Alvarado was able to shoot Morales before succumbing to the wounds he suffered.

"The officer stayed in the fight all the way until the end. Ultimately he paid the price for it. He gave his life for it," Former Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice said in 2022.

Morales was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Alvarado without the possibility of parole on November 21, 2023.

Since his death, tributes and memorials have been made in his memory.

Outside the Salinas Police Department, JD Alvarado Circle, formerly Murphy Street, bears his name to passersby driving along E. Alisal Street. That distinction was given back in 2023, a year after his death.

A bust of Alvarado also sits at the entrance of the Salinas Police Department along with the story of who he was and his legacy.