In honor of his deep connection to the community, a memorial service for longtime Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane will be open to the public 4-5 p.m. Saturday in the Cortez Recreation Center gym.

A reception will follow.

Lane, 75, died Dec. 20 after a chronic illness. He recently retired after serving as Cortez police chief for 39 years.

Organizers plan to provide 300 chairs for guests including regional officers, said Cortez Mayor Karen Sheek.

“Roy was a bedrock for our community,” she said.

Flags on city buildings are flying at half-staff, Sheek said, and will remain lowered for the week after the service.

Cortez Police Chaplain Dave Guy will give an opening prayer and sermon, she said.

Remarks are planned by Lane’s three children, Toni Broughton of Pleasant View, R.C. Lane of Champaign, Illinois and Katie Brito of Cortez.

Other speakers include Cortez officers Loyd Ryan and Andy Brock and retired Durango Police Chief Jim Spratlen.

After the remembrances, there will be a flag ceremony, End of Watch radio call, rifle salute and closing prayer. The family will be escorted out by bagpipe performers. A funeral procession is not planned.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lane’s name to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740 Cortez, CO 81321, or to the 100 Club of Montezuma County, 35 S. Beech St., No. 1101, Cortez, CO 81321.