Brandon Mendoza - Law Enforcement - Arizona

Brandon Mendoza

Police Officer Brandon Mendoza died on May 12, 2014, at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

Brandon was a member of the Mesa Police Department. He had 13 years of service.

His age has not been reported other than he was in his early 30's.

At about 1:00 a.m., Brandon was driving home after completion of his shift.

At about 12:30 a.m., a wrong-way driver was spotted by Law Enforcement officers in Scottsdale. The driver was speeding south in a northbound lane on the highway, trying to avoid police officers. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer tried to ram the vehicle to get it to stop but was unsuccessful.

The man drove the wrong way for about 35 miles.  He was speeding all the way.

Brandon was at an interchange near Tempe, Arizona, when this driver plowed into

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray
for Brandon and for those
who have lost him

him. The suspect's car exploded into flames on impact. It is not believed that Brandon saw this vehicle coming at him until it was too late to avoid the collision. It was a blind corner.

Brandon was rushed to a hospital in Phoenix. He was operated on but tragically he died.

The wrong-way driver died in the crash and was burned beyond recognition.

The Mesa Police Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. He will be forever missed.

Police Officials stated that Brandon was an iconic figure in the department. He was well liked and well-respected. He had expended time and energy and thought into getting a local park rehabilitated so that it was safe and welcoming to residents. He was the type of man who would listen to your issues. He was empathetic and understanding. He was an all around good man and a good officer.

The Optimist Club of Mesa designated Brandon as the Officer of the Year for 2013 for his service to the community.

Obviously the driver of the vehicle that crashed into Brandon was high on drugs or alcohol. Even if a driver is trying to evade law enforcement, they know enough to drive on the correct side of the highway unless they are totally wasted.

Brandon is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his parents and his siblings.

Thank you for your service to the public, Brandon.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

God save us from the drunk and doped up drivers.  In their delirium, they are killing us, Father.

Pray that Brandon is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.