Homicide

Funeral service for slain Memphis police officer attended by thousands

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Memphis Police officer Sean Bolton's casket is carried by a horse drawn carriage at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery after his funeral Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, in Memphis. Bolton was shot multiple times investigating an illegally parked car on Summerlane in Parkway Village on July 30. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal via AP) (The Associated Press)

Colton Thornton, 6, stands with Memphis, Bartlett and Shelby County fire fighters and salutes as Memphis Police officer Sean Bolton's remains pass into West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, after his funeral in Memphis. Bolton was shot multiple times investigating an illegally parked car on Summerlane in Parkway Village on July 30. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal via AP) (The Associated Press)

Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong speaks during funeral services for Memphis Police officer Sean Bolton at Bellevue Baptist Church, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015 in Memphis. Bolton was shot multiple times investigating an illegally parked car on Summerlane in Parkway Village on July 30. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal via AP) (The Associated Press)

Wearing starched uniforms and their badges marked with black tape to honor one of their own, police from as far as New York have said their goodbyes to Memphis Officer Sean Bolton.

The Commercial Appeal (http://bit.ly/1T8Chq3 ) reports that the 33-year-old officer was buried Friday after a service attended by thousands at Bellevue Baptist Church. Police Director Toney Armstrong, Mayor A C Wharton and fellow officers who spoke at the service remembered 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.

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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com