'Lights For Miles': Funeral Procession For Boulder Officer Eric Talley Was 8 Miles Long

(CBS4) - More than 500 law enforcement vehicles from across the country escorted Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley and his family to the church for his memorial service on Tuesday morning, creating a line of flashing lights that stretched for miles. Police estimated the procession for Talley was about eight miles long.

"It's a pretty incredible sight to see," said Amanda Cusworth, a city of Boulder employee who spent her day off showing her gratitude for Talley.

The first vehicles in the motorcade arrived at Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette at 10:30 a.m. and the last vehicles in the procession were still arriving at the church more than an hour later.

"Lights for miles," the Broomfield Police Department tweeted, as the motorcade traveled down Highway 7/Baseline Road.

The procession began on Interstate 25 at 104th Avenue, then headed west onto Highway 7/Baseline Road, south onto North 119th Street, then west on South Boulder Road and ended at the Flatirons Community Church.

On Highway 7 near Huron Street, people braved the cold and waved American flags and 'thin blue line' flags as the procession drove by. The crowd included community members, former law enforcement officers and Rebecca Violante, who is married to a Thornton police officer.

"It's so hard to say that it's a final thank you because it's hard to believe this could happen to somebody," Violante said. "I think it is important for his family to see the support. I think it would be important to me, too."

Jay Johnson, a former Lakewood police officer, brought his son to watch the procession. Johnson said that much like Talley, he switched to a law enforcement career at 40 years old.

"It's dear and very close to me to see what happened," Johnson said.

Johnson called Talley the "epitome of a police officer."

"To know what he did to go in there and save people just tells me the selflessness that he had and the commitment to the people and do something for them," He said.

"People are lining up all along Hwy 7 to pay their respects to Officer Talley and his family. The scene will take your breath away, so powerful," Broomfield police tweeted.

"The family just passed Lowell on Hwy 7 as hundreds watch from the side of the road. You could hear a pin drop, absolute silence except for the wind," police said.

At South Boulder Road, citizens lined the route holding American flags.

Community members told CBS4 they wanted to show their appreciation and respect for Officer Talley and his family.

"We are here for you, we are grieving with you, you are not alone," said Carole Foster.

Law enforcement agencies from across the state took part.

"Rest in peace Officer Eric Talley. Thank you for your bravery and your service. Our hearts and prayers are with you, your family, and the #BoulderPoliceDepartment," the Lafayette Police Department tweeted.

"We can't put words to the loss that we feel for #OfficerTalley and everyone who has been blessed by this man's light and love.  We stand beside you, your family, and our community today and all of our tomorrows," South Metro Fire Rescue tweeted.

"Our hearts are with the family of Officer Eric Talley, our brothers and sisters in blue and the entire Boulder community. Our officers are helping with traffic control and security today to make sure the procession has a clear and safe path," the Brighton Police Department shared.

The first members of the motorcade arrived at the church at 10:30 a.m. Members of the procession were still arriving at the church at 11:45 a.m.

The City of Boulder announced all city buildings and facilities would be closed on Tuesday to give city employees time to grieve and honor the victims of last week's shooting at the King Soopers grocery store on Table Mesa Drive.

A Roman Catholic funeral Mass was celebrated Monday for Talley at the Cathedral Basilica in Denver.

Talley was 51 years old. He is survived by his wife and seven children, aged 5 to 18.

In:
• Highway 7
• Boulder News