Deputy Zackari S. Parrish III
End of Watch: December 31, 2017
Obituary
On February 21st, 1988, Zackari (Zack) Spurlock Parrish III was born to Zack Jr. and Cris Parrish in Nashville, Tenn. Upon graduating High School, Zack attended Dallas Baptist University and graduated in August 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication. Shortly after graduating, Zack married the love of his life, Gracie Moehlenpah (Parrish) in Denver, Colorado.
After spending four years working in Corporate America as a Business Banker at various banks, Zack decided to follow his dream and become a Police Officer. He enrolled in the Academy and continued working full-time at the bank. Upon graduating the Academy, Zack continued working full-time at the bank and took a part-time position as a Reserve Officer with Morrison PD. In December of 2014, Zack accepted a full-time Law Enforcement Officer position with Castle Rock Police Department and was sworn into the department January 2015.
Once Zack started with Castle Rock PD, he immediately demonstrated his hard work and dedication to the job, all the time committed to his strong moral compass. Zack’s productivity at CRPD was impressive, leading the entire agency in arrests and citizen contacts each year. Zack’s efforts to always be the leader and to be first at everything he was involved in with his patrol team, he quickly earned the nickname “Zippy”. Zack never wavered in pushing himself to be the best. His personal dedication to personal fitness, marksmanship and all the technical aspects of his job was second to none. Zack’s passion for life was not limited to just a “working relationship” with his peers, but he strived to develop and maintain a personal friendship with his fellow Castle Rock officers – friends to all, bridging gaps between all officers and starting a culture of friendship which endures to this day.
After spending two years with Castle Rock PD, Zack started with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on June 5th 2017, bringing with him the same zeal for life and the same drive and determination he had with Castle Rock. Zack immediately made an impact with his co-workers, challenging each of his peers to be the best they can be. These challenges led to friendly bantering, but ultimately forged relationships and memories that would remain today when we speak of Zack. We will never forget Zack, the family man, Zack, the Deputy Sheriff or Zack – the person who truly cared about who he worked with and the citizens and community he was sworn to protect.
Unfortunately, Zack’s life ended tragically the morning of December 31st, 2017, in the line of duty. He leaves behind his wife, Gracie, of 8.5 years and their two daughters – his pride and joy – Caroline, age 4.5 and Everly, age 18mo at the time of his death.
Obituary originally published by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office