Edward Richard Clark, Jr. Memorial Fund

Edward Richard Clark, Jr.
Memorial Fund 

At the request of the Clark Family, the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation is receiving donations in lieu of flowers in loving memory of Edward "Ed" Richard Clark, Jr.

Ed was committed to community service and started his life of service with a three-year stint in the Army as a military police officer. His commitment to his fellow service members earned him the Army Commendation Medal, which is awarded to those who exhibit acts of heroism or meritorious service. He moved to Greeley in 1989 after his time in the Army. He attended the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where he received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and met Erin, his wonderful wife of thirty years.

Ed served as a police officer in both Greeley and Evans police departments. As a police officer, he served as a patrol officer, Community Oriented Policing officer, and as a detective in the fraud and gang unit. His outstanding service was acknowledged many times with numerous awards, such as the Medal of Valor, the 1998 Greeley Police Officer Associations Officer of the Year award, Police Shield, two commendation bars, the Civic Achievement Award, and multiple letters of commendation.

Unfortunately, Ed's law enforcement career was cut short in July of 2002 when he was hit by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop. The injuries he sustained forced him into early retirement. However, Ed was not content with sitting on the sidelines; he wanted to serve. Ed told his friends that not being able to help his community left a void in him, and he desperately wanted the ability to continue his work.

Edward received a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, where he was presented with the Outstanding Graduate Award. Ed also continued his employment with the Greeley Police Department as a neighborhood organizer. He went into communities with drug and gang issues and worked with the locals to improve the safety of their neighborhoods. His experiences in these communities led him to develop the Neighborhood Building Blocks program. It was so successful that it earned the 2006 Community Policing Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

In 2007, he decided to run for Mayor of Greeley and won. His work ethic was unequaled, and his effectiveness was unparalleled. The energy and competence that Ed brought to Greeley helped continue the city's explosive growth and status as a destination for families. In January 2007, he accepted the position of Director of Security at University Schools. He would fill that position for the next seventeen years. He referred to his job at University Schools as the "best job" he ever had. In 2019, Ed felt the need to continue his civic duty and ran for and won the position of At-large Council member, where he served until his death. In 2022, he received a Congressional Award for his public service to the City of Greeley, presented by US Congressman Ken Buck.

He is survived by his loving wife, Erin, daughter, Madison (Emery) Otto, and sons, Jake Clark and John Clark. His parents, Edward (Ted) Clark Sr. and Ann Clark, sister, Eva (Chris) Heinzmann, and brother, LJ (Becca) Clark. Numerous nieces and nephews. His granddaughter, Gracie Otto, brought an extra sparkle to his eyes, and he cherished the moments spent together.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation.