(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The service honoring fallen Parole Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval was held on Monday morning, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at Praise Assembly Church in Pueblo, spanning more than two hours as the fallen officer was remembered by loved ones, friends, and those she worked closest with.
Watch Part 1 of the service below:
Monday’s service began with a prayer and opening statements by Pastor Steve Chavez, followed by a rose ceremony where law enforcement paid their respects through white roses with blue tips, representing the thin blue line as they saluted the fallen officer.
Several speakers took the podium to honor fallen Officer Guerin Sandoval including; Governor Jared Polis, Pueblo County Undersheriff Steve Bryant, Guerin Sandoval’s sister Stacy, and Danielle Martinez, the fallen officer’s partner at parole, just to name a few.
Officer Guerin Sandoval was remembered for her kind spirit, strong work ethic, and always going above and beyond in her profession. “You were always willing to help anyone and that is what you were doing, the day you became an angel,” said Martinez.
Gov. Polis handed the Colorado flag that was previously flown over the State Capitol in honor of the fallen officer to her loved ones and said Colorado’s hearts are with the family. “We all mourn alongside you… [and] celebrate the life of a Colorado hero,” said Gov. Polis.
Watch Part 2 of the service below:
Officer Guerin Sandoval worked at the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years, during which time she received awards for Detention Officer of the Year in 2010, and Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2018.
“Today we honor Christine for her courage, her bravery, the person and the light she was… she served and sacrificed for a purpose greater than herself as she was keeping our neighborhood safe and secure,” said Undersheriff Bryant.
Officer Guerin Sandoval is survived by her mother, Angie, husband of 33 years, Rodney, their two children, and three younger siblings. “Sister I can’t believe you are gone, you took a piece of my heart with you and I hope you’re with Daddy,” said her sister Stacy. “I love you, sister, until I see you again.”
Officer Guerin Sandoval’s End Of Watch call was heard over the speakers as the service came to an end. “Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval, this is your final call, we thank you for your service. Rest easy sis, we have the watch from here.”
If you would like to help, a GoFundMe has been set up for Officer Guerin Sandoval’s family. You can also view her memorial on the Officer Down Memorial page.
On Thursday, Sept. 28 three parole officers including Guerin Sandoval attempted to contact a suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Justin Kula, in a parking lot at the intersection of North Spruce and West Bijou Streets. Guerin Sandoval and another officer were injured when the suspect attempted to run, driving from the area. Both officers were taken to the hospital where Guerin Sandoval died of her injuries.
Kula was later captured after a large-scale search.