Nestled among bouquets and flickering candles, a handwritten note expressed the sympathetic feelings shared by many after Thursday's fatal shooting of Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler.

"My father is a police officer in California," the note read. "I cannot imagine your pain. My prayers are with you!"

Shuhandler, 42, was shot and killed Thursday night during a traffic stop near Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road in Gilbert.

Officers from five law-enforcement agencies helped pursue two suspects during a car chase that carried on for 50 or 60 miles on U.S. 60. Authorities apprehended the men during a gunbattle near Superior.

Gilbert police identified the shooting suspect as Christopher A. Redondo, 35, of Globe, and the driver as Daimen A. Irizarry, 30, of Gilbert. They were injured in the gunfight and had not been booked into jail as of Saturday, according to Maricopa County sheriff's records.

The death of Shuhandler, who was well-known for his kind heart and sense of humor, has stunned the community and evoked reactions that span the emotional spectrum.

Visitors to the memorials Saturday expressed sadness, anger and frustration. But above all, they felt an immense gratitude toward a man who they feltmade the ultimate sacrifice.

"It's going to be a loss, both personally and professionally," Gilbert Councilman Les Presmyk said. "We'll grieve and provide the respect he deserves."

Lori Annunziata of Mesa brought her two daughters, Chloe and Kaitlyn, to the memorial near Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road. Chloe, 9, left a stuffed M&M doll, and Kaitlyn, 6, gave a "respect bracelet" she made as a Girl Scout to earn an additional petal for her uniform.

Annunziata said the shooting had a strong impact on her family, which lives nearby.

"It hit me more because it was so close to my house," she said. "I remember hearing the sirens and thinking nothing of it. We didn't know this man (Shuhandler), but it makes me sad."

Many who visited the memorials Saturday said they have friends or family in law enforcement.

For them, Shuhandler's murder came as a harsh reminder of the danger law-enforcement officials face each day.

"We just want to pay our respects and express how thankful we are to him and all the police officers," said Pat French of Gilbert, who has a nephew on the police force in Apache Junction.

Her husband, Steve, said he gained an even greater appreciation of police officers' service after participating in a citizen police academy years ago.

"For these guys to put their lives on the line every day, you just can't say enough about what they do," he said.

Mike and Anita Stapleton of Mesa brought flowers to the roadside memorial. They said they wanted Shuhandler's two young daughters to know that their father's sacrifice will leave a lasting impact on the community.

"His daughters deserve to know about his sacrifice and that people really appreciate that," Anita Stapleton said.

Republic reporter Srianthi Perera contributed to this article.
.