Thread: A Hero laid to rest

Yesterday I attended my first law enforcement funeral. The funeral for Officer David Day of Saint Louis Park Police was held yesterday in Morris, MN. Officer Day was killed in Iraq last week while serving in the MN National Guard. It ws a beautiful yet humbling affair. Over 100 squads processed down main street with thousands of people on each side and a Black Hawk Helicopter escorting the casket. Hundereds of officers who never even knew Officer Day were there in full dress uniforms to honor this hero who served communities here and abroad. After his death I wondered why many people didn't seem to care, but yesterday it was obvious that thousands of people who never even him cared deeply. It was an honor to be apart of it but I hope I never have to go to another one.

I attend several law enforcement funerals every year as I'm a member of my department's honor guard. As emotional as it is, I enjoy doing it, as it allows me to pay respect and honor my fallen brothers and sisters. Seeing all the civilians who line the procession route and/or attend the services reminds me that no matter how much crap I have to deal with on the streets, the general public does appreciate what we do.

The most humbling funeral I've ever attended was up near Green Bay, WI a few years ago. 2 officers were in their squad parked on the side of the road doing paperwork, when a subject that was suicidal rammed his pickup truck into them at a very high rate of speed. They worked for a 5-6 person department with 2 squads (1 of which was obviously totalled). There were over 500 officers from all over the country. The procession route was about 5 miles long, and almost every inch of it had civilians lined several people deep. Many of the children were holding homemade signs saying "thank you officers," or "we love the police," and things like that. It brought a tear to my eye to say the least. It's moments like these that remind me why I wanted to work in law enforcement.

-Kenoshacop

Pantless-

I'm glad you were able to attend the funeral. I teared up when I saw the coverage on the news. It is absolutly amazing to see all the agencies that go for support. I hope it is somewhat of a help to the family. I just wish this would be the last funeral that has to be held for a soldier, as well as an officer.

I was a 23 year old cop when I attended my first police officer's funeral. There was an open casket, and ironically, the officer that was killed was also 23 years old and we shared some of the same facial features. When I looked into his casket, it was almost like looking at myself. It was not only a sad experience for me, but an eery one.

After the funeral, every time I began to do something stupid (careless, unduly dangerous, etc.) as a street cop, I pictured that officer's face. It probably saved me from at least getting hurt, if not worse.