Prescott Valley — Almost exactly one year after the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Sgt. After Richard “R. Law” Lopez died in the line of duty, his family, local police and the community gathered Tuesday afternoon to dedicate a public memorial in his memory.
Now a permanent feature of Prescott Valley’s Antelope Park, a large boulder adorned with a plaque dedicated to Lopez sits next to a new bench overlooking a bustling splash pad full of children . Further down the hill are rows of his three young trees, newly planted to mark Lopez’s status.
“Anyone who knows R-Law knows this is a fitting tribute to him. He probably would rather play on the splash pad than stand here as part of this ceremony. I’ll be there,” Yavapai County Sheriff David Rose said as he began his remarks.
“Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of an event that changed the fabric of this community forever associated with law enforcement,” Rose said.
Lopez was shot dead on June 28, 2022 while trying to arrest a suspect in Cordes Lakes. He worked for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years.
In memory of Richard Lopez:Hundreds attend memorial service for murdered Yavapai County Sgt.
“From the day this happened, I felt nothing but love and support for our community here in Yavapai County, and across the state, for the men and women who work to keep us safe every day,” Rose said. Told.
“It’s not just about Rick,” he said. “It’s about honoring the sacrifices everyone involved in this business every day, not just them, but their families as well.”
The first anniversary of Lopez’s death will coincide with the 2nd Annual Yavapai County Fallen Officers Memorial Service scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Prescott Court Plaza. Lopez will receive a special award at the ceremony.
Lopez’s widow, Kimberly, said: “Our families and communities have and will continue to feel this loss.”
“This memorial, like many other memorials in Rick’s memory, is a testament to the community’s support of the police and to the work they do for us every day,” she said. said. “This is not just a memorial to her husband. This memorial is a peaceful place to reflect on our first responders and the sacrifices they made for us every day.”
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