Fallen Officers Memorial – Chandler Police Department

We honor and remember those we have lost in the line of duty. These officers were part of the City of Chandler family and dedicated to the mission of the Chandler Police Department. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice or the person the badge. Annually, the Chandler Police Department holds a memorial ceremony prior to the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Service and National Police Week Events.

James Snedigar

Officer
Badge Number: 312
End of Watch: April 16, 1999

Officer Snedigar was killed in the line of duty while participating in a SWAT operation to apprehend armed robbery suspects hiding in a large apartment complex. Officer Snedigar was shot while entering an apartment where the suspects were believed to be. Other Chandler SWAT Officers returned fire killing the suspect. Officer Snedigar was the first Chandler Police Officer killed in the line of duty. Officer Snedigar is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, and eight grandkids.

Robert “Moose” Nielsen

Officer
Badge Number: 445
End of Watch: June 12, 2002

Officer Nielsen was killed in the line of duty when he was responding to a traffic collision near Chandler Boulevard and Pennington when a vehicle turned in front of his patrol car. The force of the impact caused Officer Nielsen’s patrol car to collide with a traffic pole rupturing the fuel tank. The patrol car became engulfed in flames killing Officer Nielsen at the scene. Officer Nielsen is survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister.

Carlos Ledesma

Detective
Badge Number: 600
End of Watch: July 28, 2010

Detective Ledesma was killed in the line of duty during an undercover narcotics operation. Detective Ledesma and two other Chandler Detectives were ambushed while attempting to complete a drug transaction. Upon entering the home where the transaction was to take place, the suspects immediately began firing, killing Detective Ledesma, and seriously wounding the two undercover detectives accompanying him. The undercover detectives returned fire killing two of the suspects. An additional seven suspects were later arrested. Detective Ledesma is survived by his wife and two sons.

David Payne

Officer
Badge Number: 574
End of Watch: October 31, 2014

Officer Payne was working DUI enforcement on his motorcycle when he was killed in the line of duty after being struck by an intoxicated driver while stopping for a red light at Chandler Boulevard and Pennington Drive. The driver fled the scene and was arrested shortly after the collision. Officer Payne is survived by his two sons and daughter.

Tyler Britt

Officer
Badge Number: 490
End of Watch: January 11, 2021

Officer Britt lost his life after a protracted battle with complications related to COVID-19. He was initially exposed while performing his duties as a patrol officer. He was a 20-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department and cared deeply about the community he served. Officer Britt is survived by his wife and son.

Christopher Farrar

Officer
Badge Number: 528
End of Watch: April 30, 2021

Officer Farrar was killed in the line of duty during a multi-agency critical incident after pursuing a violent felony suspect. Officers searched a vehicle dealership when the suspect stole a car and accelerated towards officers, striking Officer Farrar. Police apprehended the suspect. Officer Farrar was a K-9 officer, and his dog, Benzo, was not injured. Officer Farrar is survived by his father, mother, two daughters, and one son.

Richard Felix

Officer
Badge Number: 151
End of Watch: September 09, 1995

Officer Felix was conducting traffic control near Dobson and Germann Roads in the early morning hours of September 9, 1995, when he suffered a fatal heart attack. Officer Felix was the first police officer in the history of the Chandler Police Department to pass away on duty. Officer Felix is survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.

Bryant Holmes

Officer
Badge Number: 638
End of Watch: October 28, 2014

On October 28, 2014, Officer Holmes lost his life in a traffic collision on his way to work when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a vehicle that ran a red light. Officer Holmes was a five-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons.

Jeremy Wilkins

Officer
Badge Number: 662
End of Watch: December 17, 2021

Officer Wilkins lost his life after a protracted battle with complications related to COVID-19. He was initially exposed while performing his duties as a patrol officer. He was a 9-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department. Officer Wilkins is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, five grandkids, and parents.