DOWNEY — Former Downey Mayor Mario Guerra has been appointed to the Downey Cemetery Commission, filling the vacancy left by the death of David Gafin, who died last month.

“Mario is an exceptional leader who has been part of the Downey community for decades,”  said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who appointed Guerra. “He knows that the Downey Cemetery is a beloved symbol of the city’s history and its commitment to fallen service members. I am certain will be a great asset to the Cemetery Commission.”

Guerra immigrated to the United States as a Cuban refugee at the age of six. He served on the Downey City Council from 2006 to 2014, including two terms as mayor.

He is also an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church and was appointed by Army Secretary Eric Fanning to be Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He also currently serves as chaplain of the Downey Police Department and as a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains.

Guerra and his wife Ann live in Downey, where they raised their five children and are proud of their three grandchildren.

“I want to thank Supervisor Hahn for appointing me to this board. As a former mayor of Downey and chaplain of the Downey Police Department, I know the special relationship our community has with Downey Cemetery,” said Guerra. 

“This appointment is important to me for many reasons. I am honored to serve and continue the work done by former Mayor and my council colleague David Gafin. Our community has a deep history with Downey Cemetery and I look forward to the opportunity to help its future success. “

The Downey Cemetery Commission is a three-member board that oversees the Downey Cemetery District, which operates the Downey Cemetery. The cemetery traces its roots back to 1868 and has served as the final resting site for over 9,000 souls, including veterans from the Civil War through the Gulf War.