I just came back fromt the funeral of a Police Officer in Bristol, Tennesee. Officer Mark Vance was shot and killed on November 27, 2004, while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Officer Vance was 30-years old and left behind a wife and family.
I have been in law-enforcement for 10 years now and this was the first funeral I have went to were the Officer was killed in the line of duty.
I want to say how proud I am of the fine people of Bristol Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. The funeral percetion was about 10 mile long an included over one thousand law enforcement officers. The traffic on the opposite side was not only stoped but 90 percent of those stood out of their cars and had their hands covering their hearts. Local resturant employes stood outside heads bowed in respect. People held signs letting the family know Officer Vance would never be forgoten. Boy scouts stood at attention saluting the entire persetion as it drove by.
The persetion continuted to Abingdon, Virginia where Officer Vance was layed to rest. The people of Abingdon also have my utmost respect. They also lined the road to pay their respects to the lost Officer.
I hope my family never has to go through this type of pain, but it does my heart proud to know there are people out there who give the respect deserved.
I also want to commend the Officers from the surrounding communities they staffed the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department so all could say farewell to their lost commrad.
Gos bless them all. Stay safe.
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