Craig William Pittman

Nov. 29, 1964 — Sept. 29, 2012

Craig William Pittman was born Nov. 29, 1964. He went peacefully to our Lord on Sept. 29, 2012, at the age of 47.

Our family moved to El Dorado County 30 years ago. Craig attended El Dorado High School in Placerville, Calif. He also completed Criminal Justice Program. He excelled at whatever he tried. His first job was at McDonalds. The Manager had him return for six straight days before giving him the job. He was so proud.

Craig work as Head of Security for Ghost Mountain Resort in Pollock Pines. He enjoyed the work and the people he assisted. He went on to become the Head of Security at K-Mart when it opened in Placerville. He was so knowledgable that he also became the manager of the garden shop. He studied books on plants and could tell you anything you would want to know about them.

Craig had a love for law enforcement and acquired a position with the Reno Police Department in Nevada. During his time there he accomplished many tasks. He worked with troubled youths and mentored to them. He worked the gang unit. He was a hostage negotiator. He put together with grants that he wrote for the funds to establish a Senior F.A.V.E. Patrol Squad. With the money he collected he put bids out for the cars needed. He designed the logo and equipped the cars with all the proper equipment. He acquired Senior volunteers and got them uniforms and proper training. They were under his care until he left the force. They had great respect for Craig. He was also involved in 9-11 with his bomb dog, “Cowboy.” When not being used to check for bombs they would search buildings or other places where a handler and his dog were needed. They were best buddies.

About 13 years ago while Craig was teaching a training class on self-defense and proper use of weapons he was severely injured. The training had come to the end and everyone removed their helmets … everyone except one person. This person charged Craig and hit him under the chin and caused Craig’s neck and head to be shoved violently backward. He had blood from his ears, a damaged neck and a vast amount of damage to his head. His doctor said he had received a traumatic brain injury. With this injury came many other complications.

Since then, our son had to live in unbelievable pain. But even when he was in pain, he always put his daughter as his top priority. They were very close and had a special connection. With a twinkle in their eyes they knew just what the other was going to say or do. Taylor was his life, light and reason for living. He often said she was a special gift from God and he truly loved and treasured her. Taylor called her Daddy her hero.

We know you are at peace. We know you are pain free and that we will all be together again. We love and miss you. You made us proud.

Celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Oct. 6 at the Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery located at 3004 Alexandrite in Rescue, Calif. (cross streets are Green Valley and Bass Lake roads). The phone number is 677-7171. A viewing will be from 1 to 3 p.m. A closed casket memorial will be held from 3 to 5 p.m.