Police Chief Mark McCrory and members of the Casa Grande Police Department are mourning the loss of Officer Jesus “Chuy” Lara after his battle with COVID-19.
Officer Lara was a 6 year veteran of the Department and 2 year veteran of the Gila River Police Department.
Officer Lara is survived by his wife and 3 children.
According to the Department, Officer Lara “was well known throughout the Casa Grande and Pinal County community. He was an active participant in area sports leagues, but his true passion was coaching area youth teams. In doing this, he provided a positive influence and mentored countless Pinal County youth. This same passion motivated him as a Police Officer. His coworkers and community members valued him for his kind-heartedness and empathy when dealing with children and other victims of crime. He touched many lives in different ways but regardless of how you knew him, he will be greatly missed.’
The Department is asking the public to keep Officer Lara’s family, and friends in their thoughts and prayers.