CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands of people gathered in Uptown Charlotte Friday to say their goodbye to fallen Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer after he was killed in the line of duty this week.
Eyer was one of four officers killed in a shootout when a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was serving arrest warrants in east Charlotte on Monday. Five other officers were injured during the incident, including three CMPD officers. The suspect, a man with a lengthy criminal record across North Carolina, was killed during the standoff.
Hundreds of uniformed CMPD officers were part of a procession that escorted Eyer's casket from police headquarters to First Baptist Church on South Davidson Street. The massive procession was described as a "ribbon of black" with Eyer's fellow North Tryon Division officers following the casket to the church.
Multiple speakers paid tribute to Eyer, including his longtime best friend and two fellow officers. His wife, Ashley, also addressed the heartbroken crowd. Eyer thanked the community for the outpouring of support and pleaded for everyone to help carry her husband's legacy through their 3-year-old son, Andrew.
"If you really want to honor him, please help me by maintaining his legacy through Andrew," Ashley Eyer said. "Help me teach him about who his daddy was and what he meant to each of you."
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings addressed the crowd, taking the time to celebrate Eyer's bravery in the face of danger. Jennings addressed Eyer's family, saying he was grateful to spend time with them while they find ways to help each other heal.
"Officer Josh Eyer, you are honorable, you are noble," Jennings said. "Officer Eyer, you represent everything great about this badge I wear over my heart and this patch I wear on my sleeve. You may be physically gone from us, but your spirit carries on in our hearts. May God bless you and keep you."
Eyer's family entered the church just before 10 a.m. Several dignitaries followed, including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. Justin Wallace, pastor of One Life Church in Concord, led the memorial.
"He was a phenomenal officer and the epitome of what our officers and all law enforcement strive to be each and every day," CMPD said in a statement.
Eyer was a six-year veteran on CMPD's force, where he served in the North Tryon Division. He was named Officer of the Month in April for outstanding work on the beat. In addition to serving the Charlotte community, he was a member of the North Carolina National Guard for more than 12 years.
"Last month I was in this very room congratulating Officer Eyer for becoming Officer of the Month in April and he certainly dedicated his life and gave his life to serve our citizens," Chief Johnny Jennings said. "We will always be indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and his sacrifice to this profession."
The community also paid tribute to fallen Officer Eyer, along a processional route to his final resting place. On 7th street, the community came together, for many, it was their way of saying thank you for the ultimate sacrifice.
Before officers came by the thousands, Deborah Boulware, was one of the first in position for the procession.
“I respect the job that they do," Boulware, said.
Respect is what brought most people to witness the procession, along with heartbreak.
“I think the face of evil showed itself this week and my heart is broken for these families and young children," Mark Turner, the CEO of Boy Scouts of America Mecklenburg County, said.
Turner helped place flags outside along 7th Street, adding to the display of compassion for Officer Eyer, his family, friends, and wife.
"I hope she can really, really feel God's peace and arms wrapped around her," Tuner said.
Many people were lined along the road paying their respects, with patrol lights backed up for as far as you could see. Men and women from across the state and region were in uniform to honor the fallen.
“It's very powerful, you can’t help but be moved by it," Boulware, said.
Many eyes greeted Officer Eyer, giving their final farewells, but wanting to show he'll never be forgotten.
“We appreciate everything he did for our city," Boulware said.
Lowe's is helping people across our area never forget the officers. Starting Saturday, people can pick up a free blue outdoor LED light bulb at area stores to shine bright for the officers.
Monday's shooting marked the first time in 17 years that a CMPD officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. On March 31, 2007, officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark were shot while responding to a domestic disturbance in east Charlotte. Both officers died the next day. The shooter was found guilty of first-degree murder in their deaths.
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