Law enforcement agencies across Colorado pay their respects to fallen El Paso County Sheriff’s deputy
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Following the death of an El Paso County Sheriff's (EPCSO) deputy, law enforcement agencies across Colorado have expressed their condolences for the department and his family.
Sunday evening, the EPCSO said SWAT operator Andrew Peery was shot and killed while responding to a call in the Security-Widefield area.
According to the EPCSO, the suspect, 33-year-old John Paz, has yet to be taken into custody as of Sunday night.
In addition to several law enforcement vehicles participating in a procession for Dep. Peery, several agencies have released statements regarding the deadly shooting.
Monday afternoon, the Chief of Police for the Colorado Springs Police Department released the following statement:
Finding the right words to describe the tragedy that took place yesterday is impossible. As the chief of police and as a member of this community, my heart breaks for the two families who have lost loved ones and for the children who have lost a parent. From the community members who called for help, to the deputies, officers, and investigators who responded to the shooting, we are all left incredibly shaken. These tragedies are things I wish did not happen in our community; in the place all of us call home. When these types of horrific acts happen, there is nothing we can do to fully rebuild what was lost or to replace those who are no longer with us.
Chief of Police Adrian Vasquez
To families grieving the loss of a loved one this morning, please accept my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Colorado Springs Police Department.
To our brothers and sisters at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, know the women and men of CSPD stand beside you during this difficult time.”
Below are more statements released Sunday following the shooting.
We share our deepest and heartfelt condolences with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office this evening. The loss of Deputy Peery is felt by our entire community. Our thoughts are with Deputy Peery’s family & EPSO. Thank you, Deputy Peery, for your courage, service, and sacrifice.
Colorado Springs Police Department
The Pueblo Police Department sends condolences to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office with the murder of Deputy Peery. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and friends. We also pray for the safety of those who will eventually bring his murderer to justice.
The Pueblo Police Department
The men and women of the Woodland Park Police Department stand with Sheriff Bill Elder and the entire EPC Sheriff' Office as they mourn the death of Deputy Andrew Peery. EOW 8/7/22
Woodland Park Police Department
Our hearts are with El Paso County Sheriff's Office as well as Deputy Peery's family and friends tonight. RIP sir we have the watch from here.
Canon City Police Department
Our thoughts and prayers are with our blue family with the El Paso County Sheriffs Office and the family of Deputy Andrew Peery. Rest Easy and Godspeed.
Fremont County Sheriff's Office
We are deeply saddened to hear that El Paso County Deputy Sheriff Andrew Peery was killed in the line of duty tonight. We pray for him, his family, Sheriff Elder, and the entire El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
We are heartbroken to hear of the death of EPC Sheriff's Office Deputy Andrew Peery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Peery's family, both blood and blue.
UCCS Police
