Fallen officer David Glasser was a big-time Arizona Cardinals fan
May 19, 2016, 12:31 PM | Updated: 2:09 pm
On May 18, Phoenix Police Officer David Glasser was responding to a burglary when he was shot by the suspect.
On May 19, he passed away.
The Valley has understandably been shaken by the tragic event.
The Arizona sports community has been rocked as well.
Glasser, who attended Phoenix Moon Valley High School and then Arizona State University, was a big sports fan whose affection for the Arizona Cardinals and Sun Devils seemed to know no limits.
“It broke my heart,” an emotional Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told Bickley and Marotta on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Thursday of the news. “I try not to get too emotional because every day our police officers and firefighters and emergency medical people run out and don’t know if they’re coming home. They’re really the true heroes in this city; it’s not football players and football coaches. We play games.
“Our heart and prayers all go out to the Glasser family and just wish them all the support in this time.”
Cardinals fans expressed their dismay and sympathy on Twitter, where Glasser was active under the name @InAZWeHitPeople.
I still can’t accept it! David you are going to be missed dearly by all! You’re A Hero! @InAzWeHitPeople pic.twitter.com/r2uFJMLom3
— SportsKarina™ (@SportsKarina) May 19, 2016
I didnt follow @InAzWeHitPeople but he was always on my TL. Definitely seemed like a great dude and I know he'll be missed. #BirdGangForLife
— Ricardo (@imcardo) May 19, 2016
Sending condolences to Officer Glasser's family. Our police, firefighters, EMS are the real heroes. #RIPDavidGlasser pic.twitter.com/Ymi0nyqjW8
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians) May 19, 2016
Prayers up for police officer David Glasser's family. You will be missed
— Justin bethel (@Jbet26) May 19, 2016
#BirdGang hearts are heavy today with the passing of one of our guys! #Salute & RIP to Officer David Glasser of the Phoenix PD.
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) May 19, 2016
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of fallen Phoenix Police officer David Glasser. pic.twitter.com/F8WXkl94Tg
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 19, 2016
— theJP (@The_JP21) May 19, 2016
Till we meet again my friend. Love you West pic.twitter.com/wrlFOTwvHo
— David (@dgarza06) May 19, 2016
Met @InAzWeHitPeople at a few tailgates. Big #BirdGang fan and enjoyed talking football with him. Sad day. #RIP
— Paige Dimakos (@The_SportsPaige) May 19, 2016
Wow @InAzWeHitPeople was a huge @SunDevilHoops supporter!! always used my tickets when they were available..RIP David prayers to his family
— Kyle Dodd (@K_Dodd3) May 19, 2016
I won't remember Dave as a cop. He was damn good at his job, did 2 ride alongs with him. I will remember as a friend and Cards fan.
— Tyler (@TylerASU13) May 19, 2016
RIP @InAzWeHitPeople, a brave, brave #PhxPD officer shot down in the line of duty. Always enjoyed interacting w/ him, nothing but respect.
— Blake Allen Murphy (@blakemurphy7) May 19, 2016
Those are just a few of the many, many tweets that have been sent in tribute to a man who held the utmost amount of respect from his fellow Cardinals fans.
But his being a die-hard fan is not the only reason people admired the father of two, and perhaps Arians summed it up best when offering his appreciation for Glasser and the sacrifice others like him make.
“Our police, they do such an unbelievable, great job of protecting us and doing everything right for us,” he said. “And it’s a shame when something like this happens.”
It really is.
Rest in peace, Officer Glasser, and thank you.