GRAND PRAIRIE (1080 KRLD) - Members of the Grand Prairie Police Department gathered at police headquarters Sunday night for a vigil honoring Officer A.J. Castaneda, who was killed in the line of duty on Friday.
Officer Castaneda was working traffic enforcement on the President George Bush Turnpike when he was struck by a car.
"The Grand Prairie Police Department has been struck with a blow that has shattered hearts around the department and community. The loss of our brother has been difficult, but I know and believe that this has brought the department closer together," said Officer Carlos Canelos, a friend of Officer Castaneda.
Daniel Castaneda, Officer Castaneda's brother, also spoke at the vigil. "On behalf of my family, I just want to thank the Grand Prairie Police Department, Fire Department and everyone. The support we have gotten has been overwhelming," he said. "Just really feel for my parents and everyone that has known A.J., it's been really tough. We all appreciate the overwhelming support we've gotten for him."
J.J. Wallis, President of the President of the Grand Prairie Police Association, said Officer Castaneda was well-known in the department. "Everybody that knew him...knew and loved him," he said, "and he gave them the impression you were special. It wasn't about him. He talked about how we were special. That's the biggest thing we're going to miss about A.J."
Officer Castaneda had been with the Grand Prairie Police Department for five years, and had previously been with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for six years. He is survived by his two children.