Fallen Hero

Today is the day of Sgt Henry Prendes' funeral. He was killed in the line of duty last Wednesday while responding to a domestic disturbance call. As Sgt Prendes approached the front door of the suspect's house, he was ambushed. Henry Prendes grew up in Las Vegas and graduated from the same high school I did. He was a class ahead of me and though I only knew him in passing and through other friends, I remember him very well. He was the handsome football player that all the girls wanted to date. He ended up marrying his high school sweetheart and having 2 daughters. He then remarried and spent his life protecting the community as well as attending church services and spending time with his family. He was a 14 year veteran on the force and was loved by all who knew him. I was able to watch a little of the funeral procession on the news today and was touched and impressed by the outcome of people who paid their respects by lining up on the city streets while the police vehicle carrying his body drove by. It is a sad day for Las Vegas as we all say goodbye to Henry Prendes. He will always be a hero in our city and to people everywhere. 37 years was too short for a man so caring and brave. My prayers are with his family and friends. We can only hope for more men like Henry. The world would be a much better place.