CAPTAIN * BRIAN AVERA
BADGE 3197 & 3386, ID 6266
SDPD 10/20/2006 - 03/29/2026
09/18/1983 - 03/29/2026
THE THIN BLUE LINE
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SDPD is mourning the loss of Lieutenant Brian Avera this week after his hard-fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Brian kept his positive outlook throughout his treatment, always turning to his faith and his family to see him through.

After serving as a United States Marine and leading a platoon in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Brian joined the San Diego Police Department in 2006 as a member of the 70th Academy Class.

His 20 years with SDPD were filled with mission, purpose and a deep love for making San Diego’s communities safer.

Many in our community were impacted by Brian through his patrol and investigations experience, leadership roles, homeless outreach work, and volunteering for community organizations.

In September 2010, Brian saved the life of a 62-year-old man who was found not breathing and without a pulse on Ulric St. Brian performed CPR, and after four minutes of solo CPR, was able to revive the man’s pulse and breathing by the time medics arrived. The man received heart surgery and made a full recovery, without any brain damage. Brian was awarded a Lifesaving Citation Award for his actions that day, along with other commendations throughout his career. 

Brian was a loving husband, devoted father, and dedicated police officer and warrior.

Thank you, Lt. Avera, for your commitment and service to the San Diego Police Department, our city, and our country.

Semper Fi

* Brian was posthumously promoted to the rank of Captain. 

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