Holly MatkinGarland, TX – Garland Police Department (GPD) Lieutenant Christopher “Chris” Carker died by suicide on Dec. 3, according to his department.
Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan confirmed the 46-year-old lieutenant’s death in a press release the following day.
“The Garland Police Department is experiencing the heartbreaking loss of one of our own,” Chief Bryan wrote. “Lieutenant Chris Carker, a 16-year veteran of the Garland Police Department, and a personal friend took his own life.”
Chief Bryan said Lt. Carker was a leader and mentor who “served the citizens of Garland selflessly and with honor” throughout his nearly two decades of service.
“The men and women of the Garland Police Department are mourning the loss of Chris, as we try to comprehend and endure one of the most difficult chapters in our Department’s history,” the chief wrote.
Chief Bryan noted that the obstacles law enforcement officers face in their personal lives are often amplified by the “stress and pressure” that comes along with working as a first responder.
“Our men and women on the front lines are the people we turn to in times of crisis,” he wrote. “But they are also the last to seek help for themselves…”
The chief said Lt. Carker’s passing will be honored as a “work-related death due to the service he performed” as a law enforcement officer.
Lt. Carker enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995 and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in 1999, according to his obituary.
He held a masters degree in psychology and also worked as a college psychology professor.
Lt. Carker served the Wylie Police Department for five years prior to joining the GPD on Oct. 9, 2006, according to his obituary.
He was a lieutenant with the agency’s Traffic Unit at the time of his death.
Lt. Carker leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Kasey, as well as his children, Zander, Raley, and Amiee.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Lt. Carker was laid to rest on Dec. 10.
A message from Police Chief, Jeff Bryan pic.twitter.com/C6DOH740gy
— Garland Police PIO (@GarlandPD) December 4, 2022
The Friendswood Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the family of Lieutenant Chris Carker and @GarlandPD. The thoughts and prayers of the department are with you as you mourn the loss of a brother and a friend.
— Friendswood Police Department – Official (@Friendswood_PD) December 5, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Garland Police Department Lieutenant Christopher “Chris” Carker, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
