Honoring Officer Andrew Craft: Candlelight Vigil Celebrates a Life of Service

Las Vegas, NV – In a solemn candlelight vigil held at Legacy High School, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to remember and celebrate the life of fallen Clark County School District Police Officer Andrew Craft. The gymnasium was filled with emotion as over 100 mourners, including uniformed officers from various local law enforcement agencies, came together to pay their respects.

Twenty white roses adorned with blue ribbons, symbolizing remembrance, were carefully placed on the seats reserved for Craft’s family and friends. The heartfelt vigil aimed to commemorate Craft’s dedicated service to the community. The 37-year-old officer tragically passed away at Mojave High School after experiencing a sudden medical episode on Wednesday.

Craft, who had been a part of the Clark County School District Police Department since 2018, was remembered through poignant photos displayed throughout the gymnasium. Images of him in uniform, smiling, served as a visual tribute to the officer who had completed his CCSPD training at Legacy High School.

Uniformed officers from neighboring law enforcement agencies joined the gathering, highlighting the unity and shared challenges faced by officers in different departments. Minddie Lloyd of the Injured Police Officers Fund emphasized that Craft’s legacy should be recognized alongside his peers from various police organizations, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

“He was an amazing person and an amazing officer,” remarked CCDPD Lieutenant Bryan Zink. “The outpouring of not only members of our own department but from the Nevada State Police, formerly the [Nevada] Highway Patrol, where he started his career has just been amazing.”

The community’s support was evident in the numerous photos uploaded to the Palm Mortuary website, demonstrating the impact of Officer Craft’s life on those he served. Lieutenant Zink expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown towards both CCSPD and Craft’s family.

“His son is a CCSD student; we’ve been with him every step of the way,” Zink said. “We’ve told him and his mom that he has been adopted by 186 brothers and sisters.”

In an effort to further support Craft’s family, the Injured Police Officer’s Fund is organizing a fundraiser at the Nevada Coin Mart on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, a public memorial is scheduled to take place at Central Christian Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and honor Officer Andrew Craft’s service and sacrifice.

Credits: 8 News Now