Funeral services were held Thursday at Reno Events Center for fallen Carson City Deputy Carl Howell, who was killed last Saturday during a domestic violence call.
A funeral procession for Deputy Howell began at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, went through Washoe Valley, and ended at Reno Events Center, where hundreds of mourners gathered to remember Howell.
Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong thanked all the out-of-state officers who attended the funeral service, and thanked Howell for his service.
"He was devoted and committed. That we never forget those who have fallen before us. Nor the families who are shattered in the wakes of violence," said Furlong.
Carson City Mayor Robert "Bob" Crowell also spoke before hundreds of mourners telling Howell's family, "Your father is a hero." Fellow deputies and his father, and older brother also shared memories of Howell.
Deputy Dan Jones was Carl's original partner and talked about his fond memory of their first call they ever handled together. "Kids doing donuts in the snow at the old Walmart. We told them to stop and we stayed in the area, waited for everyone to clear out and then we did some donuts ourselves."
While Carl received his last assignment on August 15, his extended family in uniform will now watch over his family.
"We will be there for your wife and kids," said Jones. "You rest easy, and know, that we have the watch."
Carl's colleague and friends promised to never leave their side.
"We will always be there for you, always. Zero hesitation. If you want to follow in your dad's footsteps, you want to serve as a deputy, you want to go in the Marines, you want to cure cancer, you have our support," said Deputy Sheriff Bob Guimont. "He saved a lot of lives, if it wasn't for him, a lot of people would have perished that day. Your dad's a hero."
Carl's brother and dad shared their stories of him. Smiling and laughing about getting ice cream after their motorcycle rides. But when they talked about that night when they lost their loved one, some kind words were said to the shooter's family.
Carl's brother said, "To the Pope family, I know this was the work of one man. Not the family. So my condolences to your family."
Sheriff Ken Furlong presented the flag on Carl's casket to his wife Rachel and his father Kevin, celebrating his life and service to this community.
"You now have a guardian angel that will have your back without a doubt," said Kevin Howell.
Sheriff Furlong wanted to have Deputy Howell's funeral in Carson City, but said there wasn't a facility large enough to hold all who would want to pay their respects. As it turned out, even the Reno Events Center was nearly packed with all who turned-out Thursday.
Deputy Carl Howell was a nine year veteran of the Carson City Sheriff's Office. He leaves behind a wife, Rachel Howell, and four small children ages 7-12 in Lyon County.
The Carson City Deputy Sheriff’s Association has established a memorial fund at Heritage Bank of Nevada. Just ask for the “Carl Howell Memorial Fund” or account # 2000012522.
Last Sunday, Governor Brian Sandoval signed an Executive Order mandating flags be lowered to half-staff until on Saturday.
