MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Wearing starched uniforms and white gloves and their badges marked with black tape or cloth to honor one of their own, police officers from as far away as New York have said their goodbyes to Memphis Officer Sean Bolton.
The Commercial Appeal says the 33-year-old officer was laid to rest Thursday after a service attended by thousands at Bellevue Baptist Church. Police Director Toney Armstrong, Mayor A C Wharton and fellow officers spoke at the service, remembering his dedication, energy and compassion.
The Rev. Don Riley, a friend of the Bolton family, delivered the eulogy, wearing pink socks in Bolton's memory because the officer, a practical joker, often wore the socks to church.
Police say Bolton was shot Saturday after interrupting a drug deal. A 29-year-old man is being held on a first-degree murder charge.