Jacob Candanoza

On December 8, 2024, Officer Jacob Candanoza of the Terrell Police Department in Texas was shot and killed during a traffic stop. He requested backup after initiating the traffic stop on a pickup truck with expired license plates. A struggle ensued, and he was shot multiple times. Responding officers found Officer Candanoza and he was transported to the hospital where he died from his wounds. He was 28 years old and had served as a law enforcement officer for four years and four months and was also a United States Marine Corps veteran. 

Candanoza was born in Dallas, Texas to Jennifer Valencia and David Candanoza. After graduating from high school, he answered the call to serve his country and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his five years of exemplary service and recognition with the USMC, he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged on June 22, 2019. He then continued his education at Dallas College – Cedar Valley Campus, earning his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts in May 2023. He began his law enforcement career with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, serving for four years, then served with the Terrell Police Department for over four months. He made countless friends during his lifetime. His unwavering dedication to all things military and law enforcement were evident as a USMC Sergeant and Police Officer. He had self-discipline and proudly served his country and his community with courage, integrity, compassion, and professionalism. 

Candanoza met his wife, Devon, in 2016 before getting married in 2018. They were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Amethyst, in 2019. His family was his life and his joy, and his love was unconditional. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandson. 

Police Officer Jacob Candanoza is survived by his loving wife, Devon, his cherished daughter, Amethyst, his mother, Jennifer Valencia, his father, David Candanoza, his siblings, Hawk, Holly, Lucas, William, Graeson and Hunter, his grandparents, and many other loving family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Candanoza family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.