Memorial services announced for fallen Nevada troopers
Memorial services for two Nevada Highway Patrol troopers who were struck and killed Thursday on Interstate 15 will happen late this week and next, the Nevada State Police announced Sunday.
The services for trooper Alberto Felix, who was 54, will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Central Church in Henderson.
Services for Sgt. Michael Abbate, who was 37, will be held on Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m., also at Central Church.
Central Church, a megachurch with a large indoor capacity and parking lot, at 1001 New Beginnings Drive near Interstate 215 and East Russell Road, has often been used over the years as a venue for police and firefighter funerals.
After Metropolitan Police Department officer Truong Thai was slain in October 2022, his funeral was held there. When Metro Lt. Erik Lloyd died from complications due to COVID-19 in July 2020, his service was at Central Church.
The services for Felix and Abbate will both be open to the community and will also be live-streamed on the Nevada State Police YouTube channel, according to a news release from the Nevada State Police on Sunday.
The Injured Police Officers Fund, for which Lloyd had served as its longtime president, also announced Saturday that it will host a candlelight vigil at Allegiant Stadium from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for the Abbate and Felix.
The fund’s president, Chelsea Stuenkel, said in a press release from the organization that the public is invited to attend the vigil.
Las Vegas police said the two troopers died after they were hit by a hit-and-run driver as they helped another driver on Interstate 15 at D Street early Thursday. Jemarcus Williams, 46, was arrested Thursday in connection with the crash.
In a court appearance Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Shanon Clowers alleged Williams was “heavily intoxicated” at the Palms casino shortly before the crash.
Williams faces two counts of reckless driving resulting in death, DUI resulting in death and failing to stop at the scene of a crash.
Contact Brett Clarkson at bclarkson@reviewjournal.com. Contact Mark Credico at mcredico@reviewjournal.com.