Funeral held for fallen Terrell police officer Jacob Candanoza
Funeral held for fallen Terrell police officer
Hundreds of people gathered at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall on Tuesday morning to say goodbye to Officer Jacob Candanoza.
TERRELL, Texas - It was a final farewell for the fallen Terrell police officer who was killed by a suspect during a traffic stop.
Hundreds of people gathered at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall on Tuesday morning to say goodbye to Officer Jacob Candanoza.
Officers from across the state were in attendance to help support Officer Candanoza’s family and friends.
"Relationships matter. Look at this room. Several people knew him and loved him, and thousands are here to honor him and his family," said Terrell Police Chief Arley Samsom. "This past week, I've seen more hugs, kind gestures, more cops saying they love each other than in the 37 years I've served. That is because of Jacob. He made a difference."
The Backstory
Officer Candanoza was killed during a traffic stop on Dec. 8.
Investigators said he pulled over a pickup truck with an expired Mississippi license plate in the Super 8 Motel parking lot.
The driver, Darrien Cortez Johnson, drove off after shooting the officer multiple times. He was taken into custody several hours later near the Kaufman and Van Zandt County line.
Terrell police officer shot and killed after pulling over truck with expired plates
Police say the officer pulled over a truck with expired license plates from Mississippi and called for cover. But before backup arrived, he was shot multiple times at close range.
"Sunday night, Dec. 8, around 11 p.m., I got the call that every chief prays to avoid. ‘We have an officer down, and it's not looking good.’ I screamed into the night fearing the worst," he recalled.
Johnson is now charged with capital murder.
Chief Sansom described the night a shooter ended his life after a traffic stop.
Who Was Officer Jacob Candanoza?
Slain Terrell police officer remembered at vigil
Dozens of family members, friends and brothers and sisters in blue came out on Sunday night to remember fallen Terrell police officer Jacob Candanoza. Officer Candanoza was shot and killed while on the job.
Officer Candanoza was a Marine veteran who worked for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Terrell Police Department in July.
Candanoza was a husband to Devin and a father to Amethyst, who is 5 years old.
Candanoza's father, David, said he is grateful for the support he's received from around the country and world.
"It’s been overwhelming to see such support. People don't understand how strong the thin blue line is. and I did not either. But I know now.
David said his son loved being a police officer.
"He was on cloud nine. He hit one of his dreams," he said.
Hawk Candanoza said he couldn't have asked for a better big brother.
"My brother lived by a code of honor and compassion that extended beyond his uniform," he said. "Growing up, all I ever wanted to do is be just like you. I wanted to dress like you, skate better than you and be best version of myself just to impress you. From the earliest memories I have, it was you always taking care of me."
Dr. Russell Rogers read a statement from Candanoza's wife.
"You were the best thing that ever happened to me. You taught us what true unconditional love is," he read. "I will love you forever until we meet again. Eternally yours, Devin."
The law enforcement community is vowing to support Candanoza's wife and daughter.