Community Mourns and Remembers Officer David Fahey

CLEVELAND, OH - Patrol Officer David Fahey died on Jan. 24. He was killed in the line of duty, trying to protect motorists on I-90 after a car accident disrupted morning traffic. While setting up road flares, police say, Israel Alvarez allegedly struck and killed Fahey and then drove off. Alvarez was later arrested. Fahey was 39.

A funeral mass will be held for Officer Fahey on Jan. 28 at Our Lady of Angels Church, 3644 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland. According to his obituary, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bluecoats, Inc., 23300 Mercantile Rd., Beachwood or Berea Animal Rescue, 390 Barrett Rd., Berea.

Fahey was a local boy. He attended St. Edward's High School in Lakewood and graduated in 1995. He went on to serve in the US Navy. He joined the Cleveland Police Department two and a half years ago, in July 2014. He was assigned to the city's first district, on the West Side.

He came from a family of police officers, so it almost seemed like his destiny to arrive in Cleveland wearing blue and a badge. His mother, step-father, and brother all served as police officers in the city.

His dedication to Cleveland wasn't just part of his job, it was part of his character. He was an avid sports fan. He cheered on the Cavaliers and the Browns. One of the pictures circulating through the media has been Fahey posing with the Cavaliers' championship trophy. Multiple outlets have reported that the Cavaliers gifted Fahey with a championship ring in honor of his service to the city.

"He loved life and served his country in the Navy and then he came back and served here in the city of Cleveland," Michael Galland, Fahey's uncle, told Channel 19.

Colleagues described him as a gentleman and a man that was willing to do anything for his community.

Fahey's death drew condolences from local officials and politicians from around the state. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams issued a statement on Jan. 25, saying "This loss has greatly affected not only our law enforcement community and the citizens of the city of Cleveland, but people far and wide. The loss of a hero is especially difficult to bear."

Governor John Kasich ordered all Cuyahoga County flags to be flown at half-staff on Jan. 28, in honor of Fahey. He also asked everyone to join him in prayer for the Fahey family and said on Facebook that "blessed are the peacemakers."

Congresspeople Marcia Fudge and Rob Portman both send condolences and prayers to the family of Officer Fahey.

Dozens of police departments across the state and throughout Cuyahoga County posted condolences to the Fahey family. Read some of those messages below:

Photo from Cleveland Police