Family, friends and supporters hold a candlelight vigil for North Las Vegas police detective Chad Parque at the Clark County Community Resource Center parking lot where he was critically injured in a car crash and passed away.
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 | 7:50 p.m.
Related content
North Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Kalani Hoo stood on a stage just outside his court tonight surrounded by a sea of candles as the city mourned the loss of North Las Vegas Police Detective Chad Parque.
Parque, 32, was hit by a wrong-way driver while on duty Friday afternoon and passed away Saturday.
Hoo’s eyes, shielded behind his thin-framed glasses, fought back tears as he remembered working with Parque. He met the detective four years ago when Parque was an investigator, issuing search warrants to Parque and working with him in the courtroom.
“Over the years we got to know investigator Parque and one thing I will say is that he was a professional, he was courteous, he was fair and he really loved his job and serving his community,” Hoo said.
Parque was a husband and a father, and served the department for 10 years.
“When he became a detective you could see on his face and you could see in his behavior how proud he was to serve and how he protected the community,” Hoo said. “It was just such a joy to see someone appreciate what they do so much.”
About 2 p.m. Friday, Parque left the North Las Vegas Justice Court at 2428 Martin Luther King Boulevard, and was heading north near Carey Avenue when a Nissan Versa driving in the wrong direction struck his car, police said.
Parque was taken to University Medical Center and passed away the following day.
“I want to thank the incredible staff at UMC Trauma for the work that they did,” North Las Vegas Chief of Police Alex Perez said. “They worked tirelessly for hours and did the best they could for our officer and I appreciate it.”
The American Red Cross is working with North Las Vegas to organize a blood drive in Parque’s honor in the coming weeks. A fund to assist Parque’s family has been established through the Injured Police Officers Fund. Contributions can be made in accounts at Nevada State Bank 905202081 and Wells Fargo 8754899923.
“I’ve received countless emails, text messages and voice messages and I stayed up last night answering as many as I could and I will continue to do so because they are important,” Perez said. “I’ve shared them with the police department and if you took the time to send it then I will take the time to respond. It touches our hearts to know that you’re with us, you’re supporting us and you believe in us.”
The department reported signs of fraudulent fundraising efforts in the detective’s name and directed those wanting to help Parque’s family to steer clear of GoFundMe accounts in his name.
“With the recent tragic death of Detective Chad Parque, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support,” police said in a release. “Many community members have reached out and asked how they can help his family… In order to ensure that your donation benefits the family of our detective, all donations should be directed to the only account that has been established to aid the family.”
Parque is the first North Las Vegas officer killed in the line of duty since 1995, and the third in the department’s history.
“Our police officers put their lives on the line every single day and they don’t know if they will come home,” said North Las Vegas citizen Michael Flores, who helped organize the vigil. “Unfortunately one of our officers didn’t come home, but tonight we are going to lift up his family and friends in prayer, good energy and love.”
About 500 people gathered outside the courthouse with signs, candles and words of encouragement.
“It really means a lot,” Perez said. “I spent a few quiet moments in the back and I saw faces that I recognize… And a lot of faces that I’ve never seen before, and that strikes even a stronger cord with me that you’re all here.”
Flags throughout the city will be flown at half-staff for the next week, North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee said.
“Detective Parque was a special individual,” Perez said. “You tend to hear these things when a tragedy like this happens, but he truly was. He worked tirelessly in pursuit of criminals and to seek a positive end where a wrong was done. He will be forever missed.”
Pastors Troy Martinez and John Cherry gave speeches comforting those in pain, and by the end of the 30-minute ceremony many of the tears in the audience turned to smiles as people exchanged hugs.
“Life will go on tomorrow,” Lee said. “People will continue to do good in our community but we will be one angel short.”
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy