It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a key 21 CLETS, LLC team member and good friend. Yesterday, we received the tragic news that Rey Pagarigan was taken from us far too young in a car accident. We’ve spent the past day reeling from the news, in shock and sadness, supporting and grieving with his family, friends, and peers, but wanted to reach out to our company’s supporters as well.
Everyone who knew him has a story to tell about what Rey meant to them, but in fact the whole of 21 CLETS, LLC would not be what it is today without him. After working together under another training service provider who retired, Rey was the driving force in pushing me to consider starting my own company. He served as our Operations Manager, one of our lead instructors, primary P.O.S.T. contact, course development specialist, subject matter expert for both dispatch AND patrol, and general company jack-of-all-trades.
Long before we connected as instructors, Rey and I first met in the police academy and were friends for almost two decades. As so many others are aware, his smile and joy were infectious, and were with me from the hardest days of the academy through the inception of this new business venture. His positivity in life shone through in his instructional excellence also, and anyone lucky enough to have had a seat in his classes can attest to his calm yet inspirational style.
Because Rey worked both sides of the mic over his 26-year career, so many were touched by him directly. Patrol officers in the field experienced his calmness and leadership first-hand, and anyone who called out to him in dispatch whether over the radio or by phone can recall feeling a sense of peace to hear his voice on the other side.
Upon his retirement from serving on the front lines, Rey was grateful to still be able to teach and bring his expertise to others. He had married the love of his life, bought an incredible retirement home, and was really looking forward to being in the classroom, especially having the opportunity to teach and work with some of his closest friends. Rey was committed to this company, and in providing great training to all of you, and we will continue that mission in his honor.
First though, together we will mourn the loss of our friend and partner, and we ask that you keep his family in your thoughts. If you are in need of someone to talk to about Rey, or stress management and wellness in general, please do not hesitate to contact me at bill@21clets.com.
