LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas community paid respects to Officer Andrew Craft at a public ceremony held by the Injured Police Officers Fund.
Officer Andrew Craft passed away on Wednesday after having a medical episode while he was on duty. The 37-year-old officer joined CCSDPD in 2018 and worked as a patrol officer. According to the department, he recently earned his motor officer certification.
The public ceremony was held at Legacy High School.
"To hear when that radio broadcast came out, it was just one of those chilling things we were like, 'What did they just say?'” said Lieutenant Bryan Zink. “This is the first in a line of duty death we’ve ever had in our department in our 35 years.”
In addition to working at CCSDPD, Craft was previously a trooper with Nevada State Police. He is survived by his father, brother, and 16-year-old son.
"Officer Craft was a dedicated member of the CCSD Police Department who was committed to protecting students and employees throughout the community," CCSD Police Chief Mike Blackeye said. "The entire department is here to support his family and our officers are grateful for the community support over the past few days."
CCSDPD is holding a public memorial for Officer Craft on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Central Church in Henderson. That is located at 1001 New Beginnings Drive and is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Details on a procession for Officer Craft to Central Church are being finalized and will be announced in the coming days.
The IPOF has also established an account to support Officer Craft's family. You can find more information here.
On Friday night, the CCSDPD also said the wings of their newly designed Traffic Unit patch will signify Craft watching over their unit, officers, and department.
