Phoenix police presented with memorial chair for fallen officer

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department received a special memorial of a fallen officer Monday.

Four officers from the San Antonio Police Department presented an “honor chair” to the Phoenix Police Department’s Maryvale Precinct in honor of Daryl Raetz, an officer who was killed in 2013 when he was hit by an SUV during a traffic stop.

“I’ve never seen such a thing,” Cindy Raetz, Daryl’s mother, said.

The chair was made by San Antonio officers and is one-of-a-kind. It features Raetz’s name, badge, end-of-watch date and other details honoring his life and service.

Cindy Raetz said she is glad to see people still honoring her son.

“I can’t believe that people are still doing things and it’s going on his two-year anniversary,” she said.

Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Michael Kurtenbach said the chair will be placed in the Maryvale Precinct’s briefing room so it is close to officers.