Apache Junction, Arizona, January 24, 2026
A golf tournament held in Apache Junction, Arizona, raised funds to honor late Police Officer Gabriel Facio, supporting his family and department members for National Police Week 2026. The inaugural event at Apache Creek Golf Club attracted numerous participants and aimed to celebrate Officer Facio’s legacy as the first officer killed in the line of duty in the area. The funds will help ensure his name is honored on the memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
Apache Junction, Arizona
A golf tournament was held on January 23 in Apache Junction, Arizona, honoring the late Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio. The event aimed to raise funds to support sending department members and Facio’s family to National Police Week 2026 in Washington, D.C., where his name will be unveiled on the memorial wall and recognized during a candlelight vigil.
Event Details and Purpose
The tournament took place at the Apache Creek Golf Club, located at 3401 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction. This inaugural event was organized by the newly formed Apache Junction Police Foundation, marking its launch. Participation in the tournament cost $150 per player or $600 for a team of four.
Officer Facio’s Service and Sacrifice
Officer Gabriel Facio, 46, passed away on June 8, 2025. His death followed injuries sustained on June 2, 2025, when he was shot in the line of duty. The incident occurred as Officer Facio was responding to reports of a driver brandishing a gun in a threatening manner during a road-rage incident. He was shot in the face during this encounter.
Officer Facio was a three-year veteran of the Apache Junction Police Department and had previously served as an officer with the Phoenix Police Department. He is recognized as the first Apache Junction police officer to be killed in the line of duty. He was also the first law enforcement officer in Arizona to be killed in the line of duty in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the golf tournament held?
The golf tournament honoring Officer Gabriel Facio was held on January 23.
Where did the golf tournament take place?
The golf tournament took place at the Apache Creek Golf Club, located at 3401 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction.
What was the primary purpose of the golf tournament?
The primary purpose of the golf tournament was to raise funds to send department members and Officer Facio’s family to National Police Week 2026 in Washington, D.C., where his name will be unveiled on the memorial wall and recognized during a candlelight vigil.
When did Officer Gabriel Facio die?
Officer Gabriel Facio died on June 8, 2025.
What was Officer Gabriel Facio’s role and how long did he serve?
Officer Gabriel Facio was an Apache Junction Police officer for three years and had previously served with the Phoenix Police Department.
What is the significance of Officer Facio’s death for the Apache Junction Police Department?
Officer Gabriel Facio is recognized as the first Apache Junction police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Key Features of the Gabriel Facio Memorial Golf Tournament
| Feature | Detail |
| Event | Gabriel Facio Memorial Golf Tournament |
| Date | January 23 |
| Location | Apache Creek Golf Club, Apache Junction, Arizona |
| Purpose | Raise funds for National Police Week 2026 attendance for department members and Facio’s family, and to launch the Apache Junction Police Foundation. |
| Honoree | Late Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio |
| Significance | Officer Facio was the first Apache Junction police officer killed in the line of duty. |
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