MISSION - Flags in the City of Mission are at half-staff for Cpl. Jose “Speedy” Espericueta.

The last 24 hours cast a dark cloud over the Rio Grande Valley as Mission mourns.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to former Sheriff's Deputy Edward Rodriguez.

“Devastating, it hits us right in the heart different than most people because we've been in situations like that," says Rodriguez.

On Friday, officers gathered at Mission City Hall for a press conference.

"I thank you for being here with us today. It is this type of relationship we have as police officers that says a lot of what we do for communities," said the Mission police chief.

Cpl. Espericueta was a father of two, a husband and a friend.

For more information watch the video above.