Memorial service for fallen Yavapai County sergeant to be held at arena

PHOENIX – A memorial service for fallen Yavapai County Sgt. Richard Lopez was scheduled for next week at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley.

The service, which is set to begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, is open to the public, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Lopez, 51, was shot while pursuing a theft suspect Tuesday afternoon in Cordes Lake. He died after being airlifted to a Phoenix hospital.

The suspect, 61-year-old Robert McDowell of Mayer, was arrested following an hourslong barricade situation and booked for first-degree murder.

Lopez, a 14-year YCSO veteran, was transported back home to Prescott Valley in a motor procession Wednesday night.

YCSO honored him on Thursday during First Responders Night at the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo.

Lopez is the first YCSO line-of-duty death since 1973 and sixth overall. His patrol vehicle was displayed in front of the Yavapai Fallen Officers Memorial at the county courthouse plaza in Prescott, and his name will be added to the plaque.

“I was just speaking a few weeks ago at our Yavapai Fallen Officers remembrance event,” Sheriff David Rhodes said in a press release. “I never expected I would be inscribing the name of one of my own onto the memorial plaque.

“His name will now live on with all those that we have pledged to never forget.”

Lopez is survived by his wife and two daughters.

YCSO is accepting donations to benefit the family. Checks, money orders/cashier’s checks or cash can be dropped off in person or mailed to 255 E. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301.

Checks should be made out to YCSO Employee Fund with “Benevolence Fund: Richard Lopez” on the memo line.

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