The funeral service for fallen Apache Junction Police Department Officer Gabriel Facio will be on Monday, June 16, at Central Christian Church in Mesa.
Facio, 46, a three-year veteran on the force, died June 8 from injuries suffered while answering a June 2 radio call about a driver waving a gun in what was described as a threatening manner.
The service begins at 10 a.m. Monday at 933 N. Lindsay Road and is open to the public.
“Officer Facio’s family has been overwhelmed with support and has asked that the funeral services be open to the public. Seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Designated seating will be reserved for all uniformed personnel, and overflow accommodations will be available on-site,” Rayna Steffen, AJPD’s public safety information officer, said in a statement.
A public procession will begin at 7:45 a.m. from the Apache Junction Police Department, 1001 N. Idaho Road, traveling west along Superstition Boulevard. Community members are encouraged to safely line the route to show their support.
The procession will then proceed to Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 E. Main St. in Mesa, where law enforcement agencies from across the region will join the procession, departing at 8:30 a.m. toward the church with an expected arrival at 9 a.m.
The final procession route from the funeral home to the church is:
- Exit westbound on Main St. from 7900 E. Main St.
- Northbound on Sossaman Road
- Westbound on University Drive
- Northbound on Lindsay Road
- Eastbound into the parking lot at 933 N. Lindsay Road
Due to the solemn nature of this event and in consideration of safety, drones will not be permitted. AJPD will provide its own drone coverage, and helicopter activity is expected in the area, the release states.
