Posted by Justin and Elizabeth West

A police officer was laid to rest today in our little town. He was killed in the line of duty, after having served for 24 years in the town where he spent his whole life. He met his wife here. They had 3 daughters, now in their teens, together here. He lived a block and a half away from where he was senselessly killed.

This community came out in an amazing fashion to honor one of their own. “The American Flag”, the one flown at the capitol on 9/11 and flown at Ground Zero during the recovery and clean-up efforts, was flown in to be present at his funeral. My daughter’s grade school, just a block from where the funeral took place, stood outside in the freezing weather with American flags, honoring him and his family as the 30+ minute procession drove by. Hundreds upon hundreds of police officers from 3 different states and countless counties came to honor a fallen brother. A motorcycle brigade came and lined the streets for hours with men holding American flags. The funeral was held on the campus of my alma mater – one of the few places able to accommodate the approximate 2200 people who attended the funeral. The honor and support shown for this man, his family, and his fellow officers was truly moving and beautiful. I only pray we can show such love and support at times other than the tragic ones.

I would like to just thank all who serve our country and our communities every day, putting their lives at risk to keep me and my family – all of us – safe. I would like to thank their families for sharing their loved ones with us. May the families of those who have lost loved ones serving in this way find peace and solace. May the souls of those who have been lost, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Elizabeth Pasquale said:

“It sounds like its been a sobering time for your town and neighbors. There are always some good things that come from tragedy. Perhaps the town coming together, the joining in sorrow, the feeling like family will result in something positive. Perhaps it has already. I'm sure the family appreciated it.”