Officer Chris Farrar

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Officer Chris Farrar proudly served with the Chandler Police Department for 18 years. His final assignment was as a K-9 officer, partnered with his trusted dog, Benzo. Dedicated and loyal to his core, Chris embodied the spirit of service. On April 29th, 2021, he volunteered to work with his former squad so his team wouldn't be a man down, that was who Chris was.

That evening, when a dangerous call came out of a suspect fleeing Pinal County in a stolen vehicle while firing at deputies and heading toward Chandler, Chris did what he had always done, he responded to protect his city and his fellow officers. In the pursuit that followed, the suspect crashed into San Tan Ford, stole another vehicle and deliberately struck multiple officers. Chris was mortally injured and another officer severely wounded before the suspect was finally stopped and arrested. Officer Farrar's end of watch was April 30th, 2021.

Though his passing was a tragedy, Chris's life and legacy are defined by how he lived. He was one of the most decorated officers in Chandler's history, admired not only by his fellow officers but also by the countless community members he helped. One citizen shared how Chris saved his life by performing CPR, later visiting him in the hospital and even checking in after he returned home.

Chris had a rare gift. He could turn a 5-minute conversation into a connection that felt like a lifelong friendship. Many people have since said they were his ”best friend,” and in truth, that was how he made people feel: valued, respected, and cared for. His mother Linda said Chris seemed to be collecting people throughout his life, gathering them into a family of sorts, offering comfort, encouragement, and strength.

Even on his last night, Chris experienced the same love he always gave. While on his dinner break at one of his favorite restaurants, a couple quietly paid for his meal, a small but powerful reflection on the respect he had earned from his community.

Chris is survived by his parents Bill and Linda, his siblings Brian and Angela, his daughters Tessa and Riley, his son Conner, and his grandchildren Leilani and Kasey.

Today Chris's spirit continues to live on through his family, his friends, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and the many lives he touched. In his honor, we carry forward his legacy by building community, supporting one another, and striving to make a difference, just as he always did.