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.  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.   

On April 9th, 2025, what would have been Chris's 54th birthday, King 528 K9s was founded in his honor. Chris is recognized as an honorary member of the organization and April 9th is designated as Founders Day, a time to celebrate his life and lasting impact on others.

Each year on April 29th, Chris's family, friends, and community gather to honor his ultimate sacrifice and carry forward his legacy of service and unity. King 528 K9s was formally launched during this memorial with our commitment of fostering support, hope, and healing as part of our mission.

We were deeply honored to have Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, Council Member OD Harris, and Police Chief Bryan Chapman in attendance and we extend our sincere appreciation for their support in preserving Chris’s memory and advancing our mission.

As we look to the future, King 528 K9s will continue to pay tribute to Chris through events that bring people together, raise vital funds, and dedicate service dogs in his name.