The shooting incident on Prince Street in August of last year still reverberates throughout the minds and lives of people in the East County.
Innocent victims died that day, and El Cajon Police officer Jarred Slocum was injured when the suspect opened fire on him, striking Slocum in the head.
The shooting incident on Prince Street in August of last year still reverberates throughout the minds and lives of people in the East County.
Innocent victims died that day, and El Cajon Police officer Jarred Slocum was injured when the suspect opened fire on him, striking Slocum in the head.
Slocum’s recovery from the injury has been steady but slow. Although he works at his rehabilitation every day, the medical trauma has forced Slocum to take early retirement and move with his family out of San Diego County.
A benefit will be held on Aug. 10 at the El Cajon Elks Lodge. The money raised will be given to Slocum to help him and his family in their move.
El Cajon Police Capt. Jeff Davis said that Slocum had been a perfect fit for the department and that he had been a “big part of the family.”
“I know we use that description in generic terms, but I can’t convey how badly we will miss him,” Davis said. “The community should really know what a quality person Jarred is and that they lost an outstanding police officer.”
Davis said Slocum is doing well and is in good spirits despite his pending retirement.
“He truly loved this job and the people in East County,” Davis said. “Police work is in his blood and public service was a natural progression for him after leaving the Navy.”
Davis said Slocum plans to continue his education with the hopes of working with emergency medical services.
“That’s the kind of person he is. He will not sit still and he’ll continue to find a way to serve the public,” Davis said.
The community can turn out to show Slocum their support on Aug. 10. For more information contact Bryan Zmijewski at (619)-206-6746. Donations can also be sent to Account 39450 at the El Cajon Federal Credit Union, 266 S. Magnolia, Suite 101.
