Killed in the Line of Duty

JAMES R. SNEDIGAR

• Last Call for Officer Snedigar

OFFICER #312, James Robert Snedigar was born on August 21, 1960, in Holbrook, Arizona. As a child, Jim enjoyed reading books, riding bikes, and playing sports. He was a boy scout who spent a lot of time taking things apart “just to see how they worked." His greatest joy was going fishing with his father, James W. Snedigar.

Jim graduated from Marcos DeNiza High School in Tempe where he played on the school's track and football teams. He attended Central Arizona College and the University of Montana, studying Business Agriculture. Jim was always there when the family needed and extra man to help out on the farm.

In 1983, Jim joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, becoming a member of the U.S. Army's 2nd Ranger Battalion. Jim always worked hard to become the best at everything he did.

Jim joined the Chandler Police Department in 1995, proudly wearing officer badge #312. He served as a patrol officer, a bike officer, and as a field training officer assigned to the Neighborhood Response Team. Jim participated as a police Santa for the W. Steven Martin Police Toy Drive. He also donated his time to raise money for valley charity groups. He ran in the Police Torch Run for Special Olympics and helped raise money for the Chandler Boy's and Girl's Clubs.

On April 16, 1999, Officer James Robert Snedigar volunteered to be the point man (the first officer in the door) for the Chandler Special Assignment Unit (SWAT) in an effort to apprehend armed robbery suspects who were holed up inside a large apartment complex.That day, Chandler Police Officer Jim Snedigar #312 gave his life in the line of duty.

He is survived by his wife Dawn; his children Tarrah, Rupert, and Kathleen; his mother Lorna; his sister Sally; and his brother Doby Joe.

Verbage above is taken from Chandler Police Memorial Plaque