Youngker High School students laptop computer was still knew fallen Buckeye police open. Framed pictures of his Officer Rolando Tirado for two children, ages 13 and 16, his obsession with chocolate sat on the top shelf of his and spotless white Nike shoes. desk. He was a "jokester." Tirado, an 11-year police Tirado, who was Youngker's veteran and seven-year school resource officer and a Buckeye veteran, leaves SWAT crisis negotiator, led behind a wife, and two by example for the 1,400 children. Paz, 34, who joined students on campus. Buckeye police 4 years ago, "He was always hard on me no is married and has three matter what. He taught me to children. He works in patrol be a better man," senior Josh and with the SWAT team. Woodard, 18, said. "I got in Inside the school's courtyard, a lot of fights my junior paper cranes with prayers and year. After I moved out of my messages for Tirado's family house, he always made sure I were hung on a blooming was OK, and that I had a paloverde tree. place to live." To students and staff on Tirado, 37, was fatally shot campus, Tirado was more than from behind early Sunday an authority figure or a co- morning while working off- worker, he was a friend. duty security at El Gran "I've known him since sixth Mercado, 1800 S. 35th Ave., grade. Every time I had a in Phoenix. problem he would listen," He had no warning. sophomore Vanessa Loza Meza A gunbattle ensued and said. "He was a respected man. Buckeye Officer Christopher There are no words to Paz was critically wounded, describe how he is. He was Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. just really great, and we're Tommy Thompson said. The all gonna miss him." suspect, Cesar Tomas Quiroz Assistant Principal Rob Leon, was killed, authorities Roberson, who had known said. As of Monday, Phoenix Tirado since the school police were searching for a opened in August 2006, said third man who fled. He is Tirado was often seen at described as Hispanic, 5 feet sporting events and often 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches presented in the school's tall, 160 to 170 pounds, criminal justice class. clean-shaven, and wearing "You couldn't describe him dark clothes and a brown just as a police officer. He shirt. was a student advocate," Tirado's killing is the first Roberson said. "Everyone is for the Buckeye Police devastated. Our seniors have Department, said Lt. Jared grown up with him. He's just Griffith, a Buckeye police like a family member to them." spokesman. Senior Dennis Lang said Photos Tirado was helping the Send condolences to Officer school's seniors plan the Tirado's family senior prank. Youngker students and staff "We were gonna block off all mourned the fallen officer the parking entrances so the and former Marine. teachers couldn't get to More than 250 students and school," Lang said. "He was staff gathered around the gonna tell the Police flagpole in front of the Department about it so we school Monday morning before wouldn't get in trouble for class. They laid flowers and trespassing." candles around the impromptu Lang said Tirado was a friend memorial. and was always around to A cardboard sign read: "All listen "even if you screwed gave some. Some gave all. up." Semper Fi." "He will never be forgotten," A folded flag was placed in Lang said. front of two roses and a Republic reporter Jackee Coe candle on his desk, where his contributed to this article.
Tags: Buckeye, fallen, high, Mourns, Officer, police, school, Youngker
