Construction begins on memorial for fallen Phoenix police officer

PHOENIX — Construction has begun on a memorial dedicated to a Phoenix police officer who was killed in the line of duty last year.

Crews broke ground on the David Glasser Athletic Complex on Friday. The complex is located near Dobbins and Baseline Roads in Laveen, an area southwest of downtown Phoenix.

It is owned and operated by the Laveen Elementary School District and will be used for both community events and youth ball leagues.

It will feature an outdoor field for soccer and football, as well as baseball fields, expanded parking and a snack area.

Glasser’s widow Kristen spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, which was also attended by Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, assistant chief Michael Kurtenbach and other officers.

“I know he would feel so honored to have this complex named after him,” she said, voice trembling. “I know, as [my son and daughter] grow up, that this will be a special place for them. To be able to see and remember what an amazing man that their father was.

“I’m grateful for this community. Thank you for loving and honoring David.”

Kristen said her husband loved his sports, so the complex is a fitting tribute.

“If you ask anyone who knew David to describe him, ‘sports fanatic’ would be one of the first things that they share with you,” she said.

Kristen, who has a background in counseling and education, said sports are important for a child’s development.

“It helps them to be motivated to do well in school when they know that their team and coach are counting on them, it holds them accountable for making positive choices,” she said.

“They learn teamwork, perseverance and discipline.”

The complex will cost about $1 million to construct and will be funded by the Laveen Elementary School District is funding the costs. A $185,000 grant from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority will offset some of the costs.

Glasser was killed last May after he was shot by a suspect while responding to an emergency call in Phoenix. The suspect, later identified as Israel Santos-Banos, was allegedly stealing guns from his father. He was killed by police.

The memorial is not the first public display dedicated to Glasser: The Phoenix Police Department erected a memorial marker in a Phoenix neighborhood in May, less than a year after the officer’s death.

The Glasser family also traveled to the White House to meet President Donald Trump and witness him signing a proclamation for National Police Week later that month.

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