'He touched many lives': Fallen Chandler Officer Christopher Farrar remembered after deadly pursuit

GILBERT, AZ — Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar was remembered Friday as someone who came to work to "make a difference" and "touched many lives," according to Chandler Police Chief Sean Duggan.

Farrar died Friday after he was struck and killed by a suspect vehicle involved in an overnight pursuit, police said. He was an 18-year veteran with the department and held multiple positions during his time in the department, including the patrol division, the bicycle team, and his current position as a K-9 Officer.

“Every day he came to work he made a difference,” Chandler Police Chief Sean Duggan said during a press conference Friday morning. “Throughout the course of his 18 years, he touched many lives."

Chandler Police Department

Officials and law enforcement agencies from around the state have been sending condolences to Chandler Police Department and Farrar's family.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags at half-staff until sunset on Friday in honor of the the fallen officer.

"An 18-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department, Officer Farrar was a hero through and through, and his commitment to protecting Arizonans was unwavering. My sincerest condolences go to Officer Farrar’s loved ones, the Chandler Police Department, and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time," Gov. Ducey said in a statement.

Farrar was struck by a suspect fleeing in a stolen vehicle near the end of a multi-agency police pursuit that started late Thursday night.

A Gilbert police officer was also hit, suffering a severe head injury, according to the Gilbert Police Department. Three troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety were also hurt. Their injuries are considered to be non-life-threatening, police said.

After the incident, Farrar was taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center where fellow officers paid respects and held a procession to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office Friday morning.

Farrar received many commendations and accolades from the community, co-workers and supervisors during his career.

Chandler police say he was a recipient of the Medal of Honor in 2004, the Community Service Award in 2009, the Spotlight Award in 2019, and also received the Lifesaving Award four times.

Farrar is survived by his mother and father, brother, sister, son, two daughters and grandchild.