AURORA | Two Colorado post offices may bear the names of area police officers who were killed in the line of duty.
Aurora Congressman Mike Coffman introduced legislation this week that would rename the post office at 9609 S. University Blvd. in Highlands Ranch to the “Deputy Sheriff
, III, Post Office”
Parrish was killed on New Years Eve after a group of Douglas County sheriff deputies responded to a disturbance at a Highlands Ranch apartment. Matthew Riehl, who had a history of mental illness, opened fire on the officers after having barricaded himself in his apartment. Four other deputies and two civilians were wounded.
The 90 N. Fourth Ave. post office in Brighton could become the “Deputy Sheriff Heath McDonald Gumm Post Office” if Coffman’s legislation is passed.
Gumm was killed Jan. 24 in Thornton responding to an assault in progress call. After a foot pursuit, Dreion Martise Dearing fatally shot Gumm in the chest. Dearing was later charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
“Officers Parrish and Gumm exemplified the commitment to public service and gave up their lives in the pursuit of keeping our community safe. We are forever indebted to them and their families for their sacrifice,” Coffman said in a statement regarding the legislation.
— KARA MASON, Staff Writer
