Boulder police officer Eric Talley, who was killed in a store shooting, was buried at a public funeral
“This is part of the courage, because, appropriately, everyone in the store on that fateful day … was trying to get out,” Father Dan Nolan, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Littleton, told mourners, including the family of a slain policeman and dozens of law enforcement officials.
“But others were trying to get in. It was all of you – the officials, the lawyers, the lawyers. You got into an accident, you got into the mouth of hell.
“That’s dangerous every day you put on your badges and put yourself in danger. A day like any other day. Officer Eric Talley put on his badge, put on his uniform, and put on his work belt, not knowing that it would be the last time.”
Nolan read a poem written by Talley’s children on Christmas Day 2019. He began by saying, “Father, our hero can be sung.
Anything we need has never been too much
But our compliments were not enough … “
Boulder police chief Maris Herold recalled that Talley became a police officer at the age of 41 after working as an IT coach.
“Eric didn’t have to be a police officer,” he said, “but he heard a loud call.”
His courage and quickness, says the king, saved countless innocent lives last week.
Sgt. Adrian Drelles, Talley’s superintendent, said the officer’s children were a “direct manifestation” of his father.
“His children live on the legacy of Eric’s impact on this world,” Drelles said. Talley’s children “comforted her” as she shared the news of her mother’s death, Drelles said.
Colorado manager Jared Polis recalled Talley’s sacrifices, big and small.
“Officer Talley gave his life the way he did, helping others,” said the manager. “While it will be painful, it is also a pleasure to remember Officer Talley who he was. It is a sign of a healthy life if you are loved as Officer Talley.”
After the service, the flag on Talley’s coffin was gently folded. The final broadcast of the festival “end of the clock” was done in honor of the official.
The sound of the song “Amazing Grace” can be heard after the shooting of 21 shots outside the main church.
Earlier members of the Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drums played when Talley’s box was placed in the church. Law enforcement officials left blue roses nearby before pausing to greet their fallen colleague.
The procession and luxury cars preceded a memorial service at Flatirons Community Church for the fallen Boulder policeman, the husband and father of seven known as a prankster and who loved “family more than anything else,” said his father, Homer.
Police vehicles headed to Flatirons Community Church to work for Boulder Officer Eric Talley.
Police vehicles headed to Flatirons Community Church to work for Boulder Officer Eric Talley.
Along the way, Colouradans and tourists from other provinces gathered, gathered at temperatures in the lower 30s. Some raised American flags and greeted the floor under a cloudy sky, according to news reports.
“There are not enough people to support our authorities,” Angela Stephens, who is from Kansas City to honor him, told CNN news agency KMGH. “We all need them. We need the police.”
Carrying the American flag, Stephens added, “I will not miss this for anything.”
Talley has been a Boulder police officer since 2010.
The security guard in charge of the coffin of Boulder Officer Eric Talley.
The security guard in charge of the coffin of Boulder Officer Eric Talley.
When the call came last week Monday about a man with a weapon in a Boulder restaurant, Talley, 51, became the first officer at the scene. And he was the last person shot in the incident, according to police. Talley and nine other people were killed when, according to police, suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa opened fire on a King Soopers store.
Vala Clark, center, and his grandchildren Wesley Haymore, 10, left, and his sister Andilyn, 7, hoist the flags of Officer Eric Talley in front of King Soopers on State Highway 7.
Vala Clark, center, and his grandchildren Wesley Haymore, 10, left, and his sister Andilyn, 7, hoist the flags of Officer Eric Talley in front of King Soopers on State Highway 7.
President Joe Biden last week conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims of the Boulder shooting, and reiterated Talley’s bravery.
“I commend Officer Eric Talley’s outstanding courage,” he said. “I extend my condolences to his family. His close family, who is close to seven children. You know, when he pressed that badge yesterday morning he didn’t know what the day would bring. I want everyone to think about this.”
The president added, “But when it came time for action, Officer Talley did not give up on his job, he was very dedicated to saving lives. That is the definition of an American hero.”