A Boise man is mourning the loss of his nephew killed in the Las Vegas massacre. He says the former police officer and military veteran, one of the 58 victims, will be remembered for his dedication to helping others.
A caring father, doting husband and public servant -- that's how 34-year-old Charleston Hartfield will be remembered.
"He cared about his family and his neighbors," said Bob Perkins, Hartfield's uncle. "He actually cared about everybody."
Perkins says Hartfield says he dedicated his life to protecting others -- serving in the Army, doing a tour in Iraq. Serving and protecting others was in his blood.
"I said, 'Hey, you just got out of the military," ... good looking kid, smart, bright, educated," Perkins said. "I said, 'You ever thought about law enforcement?'"
Charleston took his advice and joined the Las Vegas Metro Police Department nearly 12 years ago. He and his wife, Veronica, were enjoying the Route 91 Music Festival with friends when the shooter started spraying bullets from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay.
"When the shooting started...his wife, he got her out of there, and he went into action, like cops do," Perkins said.
Veronica survived, but Hartfield was shot in the back as he was trying to protect others from the gunfire.
His memorial service is next week.
The family won't be wearing black. Instead, they'll be celebrating a life well lived but ended too soon.
"He was a good neighbors, good co-worker, good friend, good father," Perkins said. "Just an all-around good guy."
Hartfield leaves behind his wife, Veronica, and their two children.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help them through this difficult time.
