Carson City residents bring flowers, pay respect to fallen deputy

The capital city community has extended an outpouring of support for a Carson City Sheriff's Office deputy who was shot and killed early Saturday morning responding to a domestic violence call at an east Carson City home.

With officers, administrators and volunteer in police service personnel streaming out of the sheriff's administrative office during a series of briefings Saturday morning and afternoon, they've been met randomly by Carson City and surrounding area community members, bringing flowers, cards, bracelets, statuettes, along with words of respect, sorrow and to offer condolences.

The outpouring has been greatly appreciated, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong. "All of the staff of the sheriff’s office and the rest of our public safety officers are devastated by this loss of a friend, a father and a husband. My condolences go out to the family as we try to cope with the loss.”

The name of the deputy who died, and the suspect involved have not been released as part of the investigation process being conducted by the Reno Police Department. The shooting happened before 2:30 a.m. when deputies went to investigate a domestic battery involving an injured woman in the 4100 block of Montez Drive in East Carson City. Within minutes, the male suspect came out of the house and opened fire on officers, killing a deputy. The suspect also died.

"The heart of our community goes out to the family of the slain officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier this morning," said Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell. "It is a reminder of the dangers that our first responders go through each and every day while keeping us safe. We will do everything possible to help the family of this officer. We will also do everything possible to help our public safety heroes get through this traumatic tragedy. Please keep the officer's family and our first responders in our thoughts and prayers."

“The Nevada family lost one of its finest public servants today," said Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the untimely death of a Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy and pray for strength and peace for his family and fellow officers during this time of tragedy. The death of this dedicated officer is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform courageously make each and every day as they protect our communities.”

Tonight, Saturday, at 8 p.m. there will be a candle light vigil at the Peace Officer Memorial site in Carson City at Nevada State Legislature grounds. The community is encouraged to attend.

Organizers ask to please bring a candle as they are expecting a large number of people. There will be a donation box where people can make donations to give to the family. Go here for the Facebook page for information about tonight's vigil.
Among places to park are at 2nd and Stewart streets, the city parking lot east of city hall, east of the Kincaid building at 505 East King Street, Third and Curry Street, south of the legislative building in the state parking lot at Fifth and Plaza streets.

A Carson City resident and former U.S. Marine, who would identify himself only by his first name, Gary, stood for several hours Saturday saluting deputies and sergeants who were coming and going from the sheriff's office.

He did it, he said, "to show my respect and appreciation to the sheriff's office and what they do day in and day out. Every time they go out they risk their lives. There's some of us in the community that realize this. That's why I'm here."