Local fallen deputy’s funeral, procession declared ready by planners

On Friday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and New Life Church announced they had finished with most preparations for Saturday’s funeral of slain Deputy Micah Flick.
Finishing touches observed Friday include an apparent rehearsal of the motorcade that will escort Flick’s body to and from the church; the Sheriff’s Office honor guard practicing; and a crew spraying salt on roads around the church and along the procession route in advance of a winter storm expected Saturday.

“The church auditorium has a capacity of 6,000 but we could have as many as 8,000 attending the funeral,” said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby. “And many of them are coming from out of town.”

The funeral starts at 1 p.m. and the procession is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.

Mike and Lori Simpson of Falcon said they plan to watch the procession in person, despite the weather forecast.

“This community is so small and tight that it feels like one of our own,” Mike Simpson said. “We definitely want to support and honor him.”

“It won’t be too cold or snowy for us to be there,” Lori Simpson said. “I have law enforcement in my family.”

Andrew Taylor, who’s visiting the area from Nebraska, was surprised to hear of the shootings leading to Flick’s death.

“People should come out and pay their respects instead of sitting on the sofa at home and watching it on TV,” he said.

In a related development Friday, many people anxious to find a Blue Line flag, one specifically to honor fallen officers, were thrilled when a local store received a new supply after running out earlier in the week.

“I hate disappointing people,” said Jody Ilett, owner of Affordable Flags and Fireworks. “Now, I don’t have to.”

Among the people eagerly waiting the flags’ arrival was a firefighter who’s part of the procession and the wife of a law enforcement officer who plans to attend the funeral.

During the funeral, Flick’s two children will receive a special flag from the Sheriff’s Office to help them remember their father.
Flick was shot to death Monday evening during a stolen vehicle investigation. A suspect also was killed. Two law enforcement officers were injured but have since been released from a hospital. A deputy and a bystander remain hospitalized after being shot in the incident.