The Florence Town Council unanimously approved two measures honoring fallen Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Patrick Lopez during their June 17 meeting, renaming Heritage Park in his memory and establishing an annual remembrance day.
Council Actions Surprise Family
The council voted 7-0 to rename Heritage Park to Jason Lopez Memorial Park in its entirety, rescinding previous council action that designated only the playground in Lopez’s memory. The decision came as a surprise to the Lopez family, who attended the meeting after being led to believe it would only be a proclamation ceremony, with Councilmember Arthur Neal having chosen not to reveal the full agenda to preserve the surprise.
“I kind of misled y’all. Just told you it was gonna be the Jason Lopez Day, but we’re actually naming the entire park Jason Lopez Memorial Park today,” Councilmember Arthur Neal told family members who arrived during the meeting.
The council also approved establishing December 27, 2025 as the dedication ceremony date for the renamed park and formed the Jason Lopez Memorial Park Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the process.
Additionally, the council proclaimed June 13 of each year as “Deputy Jason Patrick Lopez Remembrance Day” in Florence. The date corresponds to Lopez’s badge number, 613.
Deputy Lopez’s Life and Service
Jason Patrick Lopez, 26, made the ultimate sacrifice on May 4, 2001, while serving with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. After graduating from Florence High School, Lopez joined the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department as a detention officer in 1995. In 1999, he was promoted to deputy sheriff, following in the footsteps of his father, Mike Lopez, a twenty-three year veteran Pinal County deputy sheriff.
On May 4, 2001, Lopez was attempting to arrest a man on a felony warrant near Casa Grande when he was shot in the arm and neck. Lopez died of his injuries a short time later. Responding officers became involved in a running gunfight with the suspect, who took a hostage in a nearby residence. After several hours, the hostage escaped and the suspect surrendered nine hours later. The suspect was found guilty of first-degree murder on October 8, 2003.
Lopez had served with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for six years and had been a sworn deputy for 18 months. He earned badge number 613 with the respect and admiration of his peers and community.
Lopez left behind his wife, Corina, sons Jason and Michael, his father Mike Lopez, mother Linda Bowdish, and other family members. Both of his parents served their community as employees of the Sheriff’s Department.
Council Members Share Personal Reflections
Councilmember Tony Bencina, who joined the council recently, expressed the significance of the vote. “As a council member, this is probably gonna go down as the one thing that I’m going to love the most, and that’s casting my vote to rename this park in his honor,” Bencina said.
Councilmember Sherrie Bedford, a retired police officer, brought a personal perspective to the discussion. “I too am a retired police officer, so I understand. And I’m excited to be able to be amongst these seven wonderful council members and give him honor, and what he is due,” Bedford said.
Neal, who championed the measure alongside Councilmember Nicole Buccellato, acknowledged the significance of the recognition and expressed his support for Lopez receiving this honor.
Family and Friends Speak
Family members expressed gratitude for the long-awaited recognition. One family member thanked the council, saying the park renaming was “a long time coming” and that the remembrance day “means more than you know to our family.”
Hunter Rankin, one of Lopez’s best friends and former patrol partner, shared emotional remarks about their friendship. “This is real close to me. This is real special for me,” Rankin said. “One of the things we always said is that we’re never gonna let his name or his memory die, and this is just one huge step towards completing that goal for the rest of us here who have been left behind, is making sure he’s always remembered. And now, every single day, when people go to this park, they’ll remember.” “One of the things we always said is that we’re never gonna let his name or his memory die, and this is just one huge step towards completing that goal,” he said.
Mike Lopez, Jason’s father, delivered touching remarks, sharing how Lopez appeared to him in a dream the night he died. “That night he came to me in a dream. ‘Cause I was worried. I was expecting him to come home. And he told me, ‘Dad, don’t worry. I’m okay.’ Then I knew everybody was gonna be okay,” Mike Lopez said.
Background and Research
Mayor Keith Eaton thanked Deputy Town Manager Lisa Garcia for conducting more than 20 years of research into prior council decisions and indecisions regarding Lopez’s recognition. Neal praised Garcia’s work and credited her with making the current action possible.
The council’s action corrects what Councilmember Buccellato called a situation that was “long overdue,” expressing hope that Lopez’s grandchildren will one day play at the park named in his honor.
Upcoming Dedication
The Jason Lopez Memorial Park dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The newly formed ad hoc committee will coordinate the event details, and town staff will maintain annual promotion of the June 13 remembrance day as part of the town’s calendar.
