Lieutenant Chad Brackman.Photo: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed the tragic incident ina post on Facebook, identifying the lieutenant as Chad Brackman, a 22-year veteran of the sheriff’s office.
“Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” Penzone added.
Speaking toreporters at a press conference, Penzone said Brackman, 47, was working traffic control off-duty in Scottsdale when a driver — whose identity has not been released — struck him with their vehicle.
“The impact was so severe that, although he was transported here to Scottsdale Osborn [Medical Center], where they did everything within their powers to try to save his life, it was unsuccessful,” Penzone said.
At this time, details of the collision remain unclear. The Scottsdale Police Department is currently investigating the incident, officials announced during the conference.
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Brackman was a member of MCSO’s Lake Patrol division, Penzone said. He was also married with two children, two stepchildren and a large extended family. Loved ones from out of state are currently on their way to Arizona to be together and mourn Brackman’s death, according to the sheriff.
“We have again lost a very important member — not only of our community but of the law enforcement community. A very good man,” Penzone said. “He has a beautiful family and they are suffering now.”
“As always, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the men and women will stand strong and stand tall, and although we will feel this very deeply and suffer from it, we will not be broken, but we will mourn heavily the loss of our friend and family member,” Penzone added.
The sheriff’s department said they would be offering counseling services to those in need are areplanning a car wash, in partnership with the Memorial Fund, to raise money for the Brackman family.
The car wash is scheduled to be held on Friday at Cobblestone Auto Spa in Scottsdale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds will go directly to Brackman’s family.
“Chad Brackman’s life mattered. His sacrifice was significant. And his loss is devastating,” Penzone said. “Now, we must come together as a community to support his family as best we can.”
source: people.com
