By james art 
Last summer, a police officer in North Las Vegas and a regular Jason Roskov store replied to a call at Starbucks at North Aliante Parkway and 215 Beltway.
A homeless man caused a little disturbance, pouring sugar packs on the floor and refused to leave. The cafe traditionally did not need many police calls. Store manager Sarah Friedman said that sometimes people are lining or “making drugs in the toilet” or, well, they pour sugar packs on the floor.
“This man just won’t leave,” Friedman said on Thursday. “He was a little loud with me. I usually don’t call 311 (the police line that did not occur), but it was in my face. Officer Roskov and another officer came in and did without making a big stage. That’s how he coped with things – he was calm. “
On the morning of February 4, Roskov also entered the cafe, which is right opposite the casino and the Aliante Hotel. Workers remember him in a good mood and joke with other officers.
Previously, they had several photos of troops taken at the Aliante Nature Park. A few hours later, Roskov, 46, was shot dead after trying to detain a man with a pistol in a residential neighborhood.
His death sent shock waves throughout the community in North Las Vegas, including inside his favorite Starbucks.
“When I received the news, my heart sank,” Friedman said. “I was devastated.”
“Always very personal”
Now, at his fourth year, as the barista in the store, Marichel Rulo worked when the group of officers came on the morning of February 4th.
“It was a big group of officers, more than we usually get,” Rule said. “They were optimistic. Everyone was happy and joking from each other. Every time Jason came in, he was always the same vibration of happiness. “
While some other regular customers usually do not say much when they come in, it was not Roskov, Rulo said.
“He was always very personal; He will come in with a big smile, “she said. “He was so kind. I have the feeling that he had a soothing aura for him. He would rub on you. “
During the Memorial Service at the Henderson Central Church on Thursday, colleagues and relatives remembered Roskov, a 17-year-old veteran from the North Las Vegas, as a family man who liked to laugh and joke with people.
A native of Illinois, Roskov, was laid to rest on Monday in his hometown of Prairie du Rocher, Ill. He left behind his wife and two young boys.
Rule said he remained shaken by Roskov’s death.
“As part of this day, yes, it stays with you,” Rule said. “It touches you deeply. We want to support his family and support his memory. “
She would tell Roskov the same morning that he looked like a hero – Jason Styles – from her favorite TV show Gilmore Girls.
But she said he looks a little busy with the other officers. She will have no chance now.
Influenced the community, says the store manager
“He was a real man and I will miss him,” Rulo said. “When he came in, you knew you would probably have a little interaction or talk to him. Sometimes it would be the highest point of your day. “
In the early afternoon, on February 4, Roskov was shot dead many times by 25-year-old Alexander Matisse after the two engaged in a shootout.
Matisse, which police said he would have faced numerous accusations, including the murder of an officer, if he had lived, was declared dead at the University Medical Center that day. Roskov was declared dead in the same hospital hours later.
Friedman, who has relatives in the profession of law enforcement, said he knows that this can be a stressful work and that the interaction of the officer with the public can sometimes be short or even at times.
But she said she appreciated how Roskov seemed to have gone out of his way to be what she called a “community officer.”
“It is tragic that with all the bad rap they receive the cops, someone is so authentic is taken,” Friedman said. “He was someone who influenced the community. He touched many people. I almost don’t want to call 311 because I know he won’t answer Jason. “
Contact Bryan Horwath at bhorwath@reviewjournal.com.