Salt River Fields mourning fallen Officer Jair Cabrera

PHOENIX — As many mourn the death of Salt River Police Officer Jair Cabrera, those who knew him at Salt River Fields are also remembering his service.

“Professional, pleasant … always had a smile on his face,” said David Ellis, director of security at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Cabrera spent time working off duty at various events and Spring Training games at Salt River Fields for a couple of years, according to Ellis.

Cabrera and fellow off-duty volunteers would help direct traffic, help guests get in and out of the park and are around to handle any emergencies that might occur, Ellis said.

“He, along with all the other officers that work out here in the ballpark, are here to protect our fans by being our first responders,” he said.

Dave Dunne, general manager of Salt River Fields, said Cabrera was a common fixture around the ballpark.

“Personally, I’m going to miss seeing him here at the ball park,” Dunne said. “I just don’t how quickly any of us are going to get over this.”

As an active member of the community, Cabrera’s passing has been difficult, Dunne said.

“He was someone that worked a lot of the events here. He loved being here,” said Dunne. “I’d see him on the concourse during the game. (He was) always smiling (and) always helpful.”

Cabrera was killed early Saturday morning when he was shot during a traffic stop at a Chevron gas station near Pima and Chaparral roads in Scottsdale.

On Tuesday evening, the Salt River Police Department held a candlelight vigil at the Chevron location. A public visitation for Cabrera will be held Thursday at the West Rest Haven Mortuary from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A memorial service for the seven-year police veteran is also planned for Friday at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria at 10 a.m.