Juan Espinoza, 50, of Highland, was remembered by a former co-worker.
Scott Wyatt met Espinoza about 10 years ago when Wyatt worked in a juvenile court teacher and Espinoza was a corrections officer.
"He was a simple guy, quiet, a person who didn't like attention, just liked to do what he had to do," said Wyatt. "This hits close to home."
According to media reports, Espinoza was a health inspector with San Bernardino County.
A Mexican federal official said Espinoza was born in Mexico and emigrated to the United States more than 20 years ago. Mexican consular officials contacted Espinoza's family anyway to offer assistance, but the family said none was needed at the moment. The official was not authorized to be quoted by name.