Support pours in for slain Apache Junction Police officer Gabriel Facio
The Brief
The Apache Junction Police community and the people it serves are mourning the loss of Officer Gabriel Facio.
He was shot on June 2 by a suspect and died six days later in the hospital.
Donations and words of comfort poured in from around the state before and after Officer Facio's death.
PHOENIX - The community is honoring the life of Apache Junction Police officer Gabriel Facio who was shot a week ago while on duty.
What we know
On June 2, officers pulled over a road rage suspect who reportedly shot Officer Facio in the face. He died six days later on June 8.
There's a growing memorial outside the Apache Junction Police Department headquarters as people have brought flowers, notes and other items to honor Officer Facio. Even his patrol bike was put on display.
It's the one he rode on to protect his community for years of service. Now, the community is giving back to honor his memory.
What they're saying
Outside the AJPD HQ and across Arizona, flags fly at half-staff in the desert wind in memory of a husband, father, grandfather, and a nearly four-year veteran.
"He loved more than anything putting this uniform on," said AJPD Chief Michael Pooley.
He said Officer Facio was a Mexican immigrant who was living his dream.
"He came to the United States with the whole intention of being an officer, and he accomplished that goal," Chief Pooley said.
The suspect, 37-year-old Roger Nunez, is still in the hospital, and is accused of homicide.
Melissa Kowalski is the CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona, a group that supports police and fire following critical incidents. She says community donations were able to help his family be there in his final moments and assist those who served alongside him.
"The Apache Junction Police Department is a small department. They are a close-knit community. Our first responder community is a family, and this hits home very hard," Kowalski said. "Us being able to provide that support, getting lunch for the department, being able to provide mental health resources for the department, not only Apache Junction, but also Phoenix Police as he used to work with them as well."
Chief Pooley says the overwhelming support has touched those closest to him, too.
"I want to thank everyone for their support. It has been overwhelming for the family, and entire police department," he said.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs released a statement on Officer Facio's death, saying, "I'm devastated by Officer Facio's passing. My heart goes out to his family, the Apache Junction Police Department and fellow law enforcement."
"I'm sorry. It's really tough. I didn't know the officer, but I've lived in this community for 20 years and I know a lot of officers, and it's really hard to see that, especially so close to Father's Day," said Apache Junction resident Heidi Geldis Young.
Another resident said, "It makes me want to cry. It makes me sick to think about, really."
"When one hurts, all of us hurt, honestly," Geldis Young said.
John Martino, owner of Hwy 88 Ice Cream Parlor, and Officer Facio owned businesses next to one another for four years – a place Officer Facio showed up to with a smile on his face and a heart to serve.
"You know, everybody in town knew Gabe," he said. "He was known as Gabe."
"He helped all the homeless population, he was nicer to them than any person could ever be. He'd give them money. He'd give them food. He never, never played policeman with them. He was a wonderful man," Martino remembered. "Good people always go first, that's what we've all said yesterday and today."
What you can do
There will be a BBQ on Wednesday, June 11, at Apache Junction High School, starting around 11 a.m., to support Officer Facio's family. The school's address is 2525 S Ironwood Dr, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.
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