Widow, who lost husband in line of duty in 2018, offers support for fallen Dep. Peery’s family
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO., (KRDO) -- Monday, El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Peery was laid to rest. He was one of two victims in a Security-Widefield shooting.
This was the first deputy death in four years for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. On February 5, 2018, Deputy Michah Flick was killed while responding to an auto-theft arrest in an apartment complex in Colorado Springs.
His wife, Rachael Flick, told KRDO she understands the pain of losing a loved one in the line of duty.
"I am heartbroken that we are here again," Flick said.
She said attending the funeral service Monday wasn't easy, but that it was necessary to show support for Dep. Peery's family right now.
Rachael flick knows this feeling of pain all too well she says showing up to the funeral service Monday morning wasn't easy, but it was necessary.
"It has brought up a lot of emotions, it has been a very hard and emotional week---I was definitely having memories coming back to me. I am grateful Micah's funeral was snowing and it was cold…so there are some differences that I am grateful for that help to remind me this isn't the same, but yes it feels very familiar," said Flick.
In addition to showing support for those who lose someone in the line of duty, Flick has created a podcast. She explained that she uses Hopecast with Rachael Flick to grieve, grow, and share her story. She also shares stories of others and their journeys of resilience. Flick said, for her, she heals by learning how to move through the loss, not passing it.
"I am feeling hopeful. I am reminded how far I've come in 4 1/2 years and there has been a tremendous amount of healing and I carry a beacon of hope for many people that even though this pain is overwhelming, crushing even in the moment… That it is survivable," added Flick.
There will be on a fundraiser on Sept. 11, 2022 at the Switchbacks Stadium to benefit the Peery family in conjunction with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Springs Police department, and Shield 616. For more on the Fundraiser click here.
