In Memoriam: Master Police Officer Christopher “Chris” Santos Carrizales
February 20, 2025
January 31, 1968 – February 19, 2025
With deep respect and gratitude, Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook, and the entire City of Columbia family, honor the life and service of City of Columbia Master Police Officer Christopher Santos Carrizales, a loving family man, a dedicated public servant, a proud veteran, and a man whose heart was always in policing, even as a young boy expressing his career aspirations.
Most recently known for his role in protecting Columbia’s leadership, he was entrusted with the security detail for two Columbia mayors, current Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann and former Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, ensuring their safety with the same steadfast devotion he brought to every assignment.
Born in 1968 in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Officer Carrizales was a graduate of Central High School in East Chicago and a student of Criminal Justice at Central Texas College. He pursued his passion for law enforcement with diligence.
Officer Carrizales began his law enforcement journey with the City of Columbia Police Department on December 6, 2004, taking the Oath of Office on April 18, 2005. His dedication led him to serve in various capacities—North Region Patrol, Master Police Officer, Community Services, Drug Suppression Team, Special Operations Bureau, and Office of Professional Standards—always answering the call of duty with integrity and commitment.
Though he briefly stepped away for a federal position, he soon realized that his heart would always remain in policing, returning to the Columbia Police Department in 2010 to continue his mission of protecting and serving. In 2012, Officer Carrizales received the Columbia Police Department Officer of the Year and the Community Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment to public safety.
Beyond his police service, Officer Carrizales was a proud United States Army veteran, serving from 1988 to 1992 as a Specialist in Dental Radiology. His deployment to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and his 16 years of service in Germany reflect his unwavering dedication to his country. During his dedicated service to the United States Army, he was distinguishably awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Bronze Service Star.
He is survived by his parents, Javier and Celia Carrizales, his wife of 34 years, Gayle Carrizales, and their two children, Blake and Lauren.
Officer Chris Carrizales was more than a badge—he was a mentor, a protector, a friend, and a hero. His legacy of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Thank you to the dedicated and kind team of professionals at the PRISMA Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit who provided exceptional care and guidance to Officer Carrizales and his family.
Rest in peace, Officer Carrizales. Your watch has ended, but your impact will endure.
