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‘He was so kind’: Tributes pour in on social media for late CCSD police officer

Updated January 12, 2024 - 5:01 pm

Mourners took to social media Thursday to express their sorrow a day after the sudden death of Clark County School District Police officer Andrew Craft.

Craft died while on duty after an unspecified medical episode Wednesday, school district Superintendent Jesus Jara said in a statement.

“The Clark County School District is devastated by the sudden loss of Officer Craft,” Jara said in the statement. “Our Officers work day in and day out to keep our schools safe, and a loss to the department is a loss for the entire District. Our hearts and prayers are with the CCSD Police Department Force and Officer Craft’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

The 37-year-old had been with the department since 2018 as a patrol officer, school officials said. Craft previous served as a trooper with Nevada State Police.

Mike Blackeye, chief of the district’s police department, called Craft a “dedicated” officer who was “committed to protecting students and employees throughout the community. The entire department is here to support his family, and our officers are grateful for the community support over the past few days.”

On Thursday, nearly 60 people commented with tributes to the late officer on the school district’s Facebook page, under a post announcing his death.

“Andrew was a daily customer at my Starbucks and truly a great guy and police officer,” Daniel Pomroy wrote. “I’m gonna miss our conversations and joking around. RIP, Andrew, you will be missed.”

“This officer responded to a call I made about a month ago,” Angela Milberger announced on Facebook. “He was so kind.”

“He was a great officer who impacted so many students across the Las Vegas Valley,” said Hil Eisen. “So responsive and gave students such amazing, hopeful advice.”

“I am so sad Officer Craft passed away,” Henderson City Councilwoman Carrie Cox wrote. “His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.”

The Las Vegas office of the FBI also paid its respects via X, formerly Twitter.

“All of us send our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Clark County School District Police Officer Andrew Craft,” the FBI office stated, in a message that recorded 1,300 views.

School district police plan to hold a memorial for Craft at 10 a.m. Thursday at Central Church in Henderson.

A candlelight vigil for Craft is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday at the Legacy High School gym, while the Injured Police Officers Fund is holding a cookout from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in his honor.

Craft’s death is being investigated by the Clark County coroner’s office.

He is survived by his father, brother and 16-year-old son, school officials said.

Contact Jeff Burbank at jburbank@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0382. Follow him @JeffBurbank2 on X.

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