Heartfelt Vigil Honors Terrell Police Officer Killed During Traffic Stop. TERRELL Three days after the 28-year-old husband and father was slain while performing his duties, Officer Jacob Andrew Candanoza held a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night that was filled with tears, anecdotes, and profound emotion.
In an effort to encourage residents to support one another, Terrell City Manager Mike Sims entered Candanoza into the list of cops who lost their lives while performing their duties.
It will allow you to weep on their shoulder. “You get to hug them,” Sims remarked. “Tonight’s where we get to share some emotion and pain.”
Originally from Dallas, Candanoza joined the US Marines and was honorably discharged in 2019. Before joining Terrell Police Department on July 12, he started his career as a law enforcement officer with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. His fifth month at the department was just five days away.
“Seeing so many people surprised me,” his father, David Candanoza, remarked.
Supportive mourners lighted their candles, as did David Candanoza. In order to symbolize a life lost to an absurd circumstance, the crowd was asked to hold their candles in the air.
Before individuals doused their candles, there was a brief period of prayer and stillness as the candles were extinguished.
“This is where I had my candle. David Candanoza stated, “I didn’t want to blow it out.” “I want to just keep it.”
Nothing, he claimed, could ever make the loss of a kid go away. According to the distraught father, the loss was intolerable.
The community has been incredibly supportive, particularly from law enforcement. The tiny blue line was powerful and long, he said.
“For the funeral, I even made sure to get me a blue tie,” stated the man. “Only way I can support that.”
The funeral will take place at Rockwall’s Lakepointe Church on December 17. The visitation for Candanoza will take place at the Max Slayton Funeral Chapel on Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
