WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner paid homage to Zackari Parrish in a floor speech on Wednesday — calling the slain Douglas County sheriff’s deputy the embodiment of law enforcement ideals.
“He was what every officer strives to be: dedicated to the job, persistent and detailed oriented,” said Gardner, R-Colo., in a four-minute tribute.
Parrish, 29, was killed Sunday during a shootout at a Highlands Ranch apartment that also resulted in injuries to four other law enforcement officers and two neighbors, and the death of the gunman.
“At a vigil honoring Zack earlier this week, his fellow deputies shared Zack’s knack for finding things other cops missed,” Gardner added. “They spoke of how he always wanted to chase the bad guys. And how even if it was time to go home, Zack would stay late to make sure he had time to do that just one last patrol.”
Gardner also offered condolences to Parrish’s wife, daughters and colleagues.
“We must continue to honor Zack’s memory and support his brothers in blue as they continue his work and his dearly loved family as they begin a new year in a way they never could have imagined.”
A for Parrish is planned for 11 a.m. Friday at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. in Highlands Ranch.