The patrol sergeant’s number, 554, was announced over the radio.
But after 26 years of service with the Chattanooga Police Department, the sergeant will never answer a call again.
“End of watch. April 2, 2011. May he rest in peace,” police called over the radio one last time for Sgt. Tim Chapin, who was killed Saturday trying to apprehend a robbery suspect.
“We had the distinct honor of serving along side him,” Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd said through tears at Chapin’s funeral Thursday. “His death created a great void in our lives, our community and our department that we’ll never be able to fill.”
Jesse Mathews, 25, is accused of shooting Chapin in the head outside a Brainerd Road pawnshop.