Arizona Police Still Recovering After Marshal's Killing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
News

Arizona Police Still Recovering After Marshal's Killing

My journalism class had the honor of speaking with Arizona's U.S. Marshal, and he dug deep about the death of his colleague and friend.

106
Arizona Police Still Recovering After Marshal's Killing
Photo by Joe Garcia

Nearly five months after the death of Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White, the officers who worked beside him continue to heal.

White was killed on Nov. 29, serving an arrest warrant to Ryan Schlesinger, 26, who had been stalking Tucson police.

A team of deputy marshals and police surrounded Schlesinger's home when he opened fire through a window, shooting and killing White, who was on the side of the house.

"We're still dealing with it," said U.S. Marshal David Gonzales in a discussion with a class of Cronkite journalism students. "Could you imagine seeing one of your brothers and sisters being shot and killed right in front of you?"

White served with the United States Marshals Service for three years and was also a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The day of his death was to be his last day before being activated for military service.

Gonzales informed the class that the Marshals Service arrests about 6,000 fugitives a year in the District of Arizona alone and that this particular sector of law enforcement is especially dangerous. "U.S. marshals have more deputies killed in the line of duty than all federal agencies combined," he said.

White was the first deputy U.S. marshal to be killed on duty in Tucson in 66 years.

Gonzales explained that those who knew him have been handling the trauma of his death in their own ways. "Some deal with it pretty well, others, we monitor, and we assure that they get the help that they need to deal with those emotions," he said.

White was also a husband as well as a father to four children whose ages range from 7 to 14. During the discussion, Gonzales recounted the many emotions experienced on the day of his death, one of the hardest being talking to White's wife and kids.

However, in the moments after White had passed, Gonzales did witness something he described as "heartwarming." As White's body was being taken from the hospital to the medical examiner's office, law enforcement officers and hospital staff lined up in rows out to the parking lot to honor him.

And law enforcement continues to honor him, along with other officers who have died in the line of duty. "People die twice," said Gonzales. "The first time is when their body leaves them when their heart stops… and the final and last time a person dies is when you stop saying their name."

Gonzales said that this is why law enforcement holds memorial services to honor the fallen every year.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1238
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16137
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3372
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments