Hundreds attend Chavez funeral

Firefighters stand and salute as pallbearers carry the flag-draped casket of former Gallup Fire Chief Louie Chavez during funeral services Thursday at Sunset Memorial Park. Chavez, who retired from the department after 28 years of service, died last week from a rare liver disease. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

Pallbearers for former Gallup fire chief Louie Chavez ride with his flag-covered casket on top of Engine No. 3 on Thursday as the funeral procession arrives at Sunset Memorial Park. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]

GALLUP — The Rev. Lawrence O'Keefe spoke of longtime public servant Louie Chavez's love for his career and community on Thursday morning.

And from the crowd of friends, family and coworkers who attended Chavez's memorial service, it could only be assumed his community loved him back.

"He was a man who certainly had his priorities straight," O'Keefe said during the mid-morning service.

Hundreds packed Sacred Heart Cathedral's sanctuary and when seats ran out, onlookers squeezed themselves into any available space.

Three EMS employees stood silently, gripping memorial folders with Chavez's picture on the front, in the foyer just outside the sanctuary because of a lack of space. Though they could hear little of what was being said inside, they said nothing until the service was over.

The Gallup Fire Department's honor guard, which consisted of Chavez's coworkers, led the procession to the church. County firefighters even temporarily manned the city stations on Thursday afternoon, so Gallup firefighters could attend the memorial for their former leader without interruption.

Chavez worked for the fire department for 28 years, four of which he served as chief. Following his retirement from the department, he was hired as the Director of Communications for McKinley County's Metropolitan Dispatch where he served for two years.

Chavez died at an Albuquerque hospital on Friday from a rare disease that affected his organs. He was 49.

City officials, including Mayor Bob Rosebrough, also attended Thursday's service.

"I was moved by the outpouring of people that he'd touched during his life," Rosebrough said. "It's always profoundly sad when someone dies at such a young age. I think the community is deeply saddened and grieving over his premature death. I am glad to see how strongly supportive the community is of his wife and the rest of the family."

Police Chief Sylvester Stanley said he interviewed Chavez for the Metropolitan Dispatch position and has known him for the past two years.

"Louie was a very likable person," Stanley said. "He was very easygoing and I know his subordinates enjoyed working for him. ... He's going to be missed."