Date set for summer music festival to honor fallen Carson City Deputy Carl Howell

A music festival and memorial event to honor fallen Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Howell has been set for Aug. 19, 2017 at Battle Born Harley-Davidson in Carson City, according to organizers.

The event will be hosted by The Last Response Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization established by Carson City resident Don Alexander and a handful of community members.

The event, which organizers hope to draw at least 5,000 people, will serve as a fundraiser for Deputy Howell’s children and all proceeds will be placed into a trust fund for their benefit.

The all-ages, day-long festival will feature a number of local, regional and national touring musicians, celebrity guest appearances, a show and shine, motorcycle demonstrations, a silent auction food, drinks and more.

A website has been established that provides information and updates. It is http://rememberdeputyhowell.com

On Saturday, August 15, 2015 Deputy Carl Howell, a former U.S. Marine and 9-year-veteran with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call where he was killed in the line of duty. He left behind a widow and four children.

About a year ago, Alexander, a loss prevention investigator at Smith’s, came up with an idea to create a community memorial celebration with multiple bands as a fundraiser for Howell’s children.

Law enforcement in the U.S. has experienced a growing number of officers being killed in the line of duty and Howell’s death hit close to home, said Alexander.

“We’ve seen an atmosphere against law enforcement in the media. So when a former U.S. Marine is killed in the line of duty in my home town leaving behind a widow and four children, this affected an entire community,” he said. “Just because the headline goes away doesn’t mean there aren’t people left behind.”

Alexander networked with a number of friends, including Hollywood actor Patrick Kilpatrick, to see if a large scale event was doable. He asked a group of local friends if they would back the idea, including Howell’s father, Kevin Howell.

The answer was a resounding “absolutely,” said Alexander. From there he established The Last Response Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization designed to give back to the families of First Responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

When looking for a venue to hold the festival, Alexander had considered several options. Kevin Howell suggested asking Battle Born Harley-Davidson in Carson City, which hosts a number of events annually at its 6-acre complex.

“They were right on board with this all the way,” said Alexander. “It’s a perfect location for a professional stage, right off the freeway and has enough space for thousands of people.”

And thousands of people is what organizers hope to bring. The invitation is open to everyone from local families to law enforcement agencies, groups, clubs and organizations.

Among the bands and music acts signed on are Prezident Brown, Superstar DJ Keoki, Audioboxx, Stereo Galaxy, Canyon White, Southbound Train, Trey Stone, Xing Bridges, Voodoo Cats and Steve's Rockin' DJ. More are expected to be added.

The Master of Ceremonies is Patrick Kilpatrick who has appeared in more than 150 movies and television shows including Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, The Presidio, Minority Report, Eraser, The Stand, The Substitute 4, Free Willy 3, Criminal Minds, The X-Files, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, JAG, CSI, Walker Texas Ranger, Angel, ER, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Dark Angel, Las Vegas, Star Trek Voyager and Star Trek Deep Space Nine.

“It’s my pleasure and privilege to do so, to help honor and support our law enforcement and one who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Kilpatrick, who himself is a New Mexico reserve patrolman. “A good time will be had by all for an important cause.”

Alexander notes that former heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks has signed on to make a guest appearance. Other guests will be announced at a later date.

Festival sponsors include the Gary Sinise Foundation, Zadra Design, The Law Office of Daniel J. Spence. Hollywood actor Gary Sinise, known for his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, is well known for his commitment to military veterans and law enforcement causes. He has donated money to Howell’s legacy fund and had donated a box of autographed items including an autographed copy of “Forrest Gump,” said Alexander. Also, actor Joe Mantegna, a star in TV and motion pictures, including The Godfather III, and the TV show Criminal Minds and The Simpsons, has also contributed autographed material for a silent auction and made a personal video to the family, said Alexander.

While the goal for attendance is 5,000 people, organizers say they want to be prepared for 10,000 people. Right now, a core group of backers have committed to monthly meetings to get the festival off the ground.

Volunteers will be needed in areas of security, pick-up and cleanup, stage hands, maintenance, ticket takers and more.

“A handful of people can’t do this alone," he said. “For an event like this we’re going to need a lot of help from the community; anyone who can lend a hand to help us.”

To volunteer, contact Alexander at 775-400-0126 or email him at don@rememberdeputyhowell.com.