DENVER- A celebration of life for fallen Trooper Jaimie Jursevics drew dozens of law enforcement agencies from across the country to pay their respects.
The 33-year-old wife and new mother was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver on Interstate 25 on Nov. 15. She died on the scene.
![[ID=76287282]](/Portals/_default/Skins/PrestoLegacy/CommonCss/images/pullquote.jpg "Chief Scott Hernandez [ID=76287282]")
Jursevics was by all accounts a fiery, tenacious and funny person. It's what her fellow troopers loved most about her. Master Sgt. Shawn Olstead recalls a "five foot nothing, hundred (pound) nothing" Jursevics joining CSP under his supervision in January 2011.
"All I could see was this timid young lady and I am thinking, 'what did the academy send me this time?'" joked Olmstead to a crowded Denver First Church of the Nazarene.
She would, however, prove herself to Olmstead and others, becoming the face of the Colorado State Patrol. Because along with that quick wit came compassion. For humans, and animals -- which she loved very much.
Olmstead got a big laugh from a story about Jursevics out on patrol on Vail Pass Road. One cold winter day she pulled up to a pickup truck with a hunting dog in the back. He was cold and Jursevics didn't like that.
"That dog is up there and he's shivering, there's ice hanging off of them but that's what those dogs do. Jaimie calls Sgt. Ryan Parker up and by golly, she's going to be taking custody of that dog," he said as the crowd begins to laugh. "And that's not it. Someone is going to end up in handcuffs before it's over."
The one thing she loved more than her work was her husband DJ and eight-month-old daughter Morgan. They sat in the front row next to Jursevic's casket, protected by two troopers. And Colorado State Patrol continuously reminded them, they still have a family in CSP.
"She was a beacon of light to all she knew and was an outstanding trooper. More importantly she was loyal and a dedicated friend. She was tenacious in the pursuit of justice and keeping others safe. Her vigilance was second to none," Chief Scott Hernandez said.
An end of watch call went out on police radio, ending the service.
The man suspected of the hit and run that killed Jursevics is scheduled to be back in court on Dec. 18. The retired Army Colonel, Eric Henderson, is currently out on a $500,000 bond.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Trooper Jursevics' family here: http://on9news.tv/1Qq6GTL
(© 2015 KUSA)
