Colorado: High school athletes honor fallen State Trooper at playoff game
Friday night lights brought the best out of young athletes at a high school football game when they honored a fallen Colorado State Patrol Trooper. Players of the Ralston Valley High School football team paid tribute to Jaimie Jursevics.
“With heavy hearts we offer thanks for the life and service of Officer Jursevics,” the crowd prayed before kickoff. Logan Fackler was one of the players on the sidelines. “Our whole entire football team has a sticker memory and honoring her for her life and what a great person she was,” explained Fackler.
Stickers of a thin blue lined adorned the team's helmets. Jaimie Jursevics was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver Sunday night while assisting on a minor crash along I-25 in Castle Rock.
Her death hit close to home. Two Ralston Valley football coaches are also state troopers who worked with Jursevics.
“Told us all about the loss. It`s very sad,” recalled Fackler of the moment the teamed learned of her death.
Colorado State Trooper Steve Garcia was at Friday night`s football to join the community as they reflect on the loss of Trooper Jursevics.
“Jaimie died protecting people. I think that by them doing this for her today, they acknowledge that,” he commented.
Football parent Mark Rush was touched by the tribute. “I think it's a good thing to show our community's strength and honor the people that protect us."
“Hopefully this experience, and them being part of a bigger picture, they might want to pursue law enforcement too. Pursue her legacy,” commented Garcia.
The outpouring of support for Jursevic’s family and for the members of the Colorado State Patrol family will not be forgotten. Trooper Garcia hopes to one day share special moments like that of Friday night’s with the baby girl Jursevics left behind.
“We are going to record all of this for her. She will be able to look back and see the impact her mom had.”
Thousands are expected to gather to remember Trooper Jaimie Jursevics on Monday. A celebration of life will be held for her at the Church of Nazarene in Englewood at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited.
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