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California Police Chief: Slain Rookie Officer was "Perfect Cop"

Chief Darren Pytel said that police work was "truly in her blood," adding that he had placed a bet that one day she'd be the police chief.

January 21, 2019
California Police Chief: Slain Rookie Officer was "Perfect Cop"

Chief Darren Pytel said that police work was "truly in her blood," adding that he had placed a bet that one day she'd be the police chief.

Credit:

Photo: Davis (CA) PD

In an emotional tribute, the chief of the Davis (CA) Police Department called the young officer who was ambushed and killed earlier this month a "perfect cop."

Thousands of people gathered in the athletic arena on the campus of UC Davis on Friday to remember the service of 22-year-old Officer Natalie Corona.

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Chief Darren Pytel said that police work was "truly in her blood," adding that he had placed a bet that one day she'd be the police chief.

"I know what it takes, and she had it," Pytel said.

A rising star in the Davis department, Corona graduated from the Sacramento Police Academy in July and had completed her field training in December, according to NBC News .

Officer Corona is survived by her mother, her father, and three younger sisters.

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