OKC PD

In July 2003, an Oklahoma City motorcycle police officer was involved in a motor vehicle accident while on-duty. M and I passed the accident shortly after it happened when it was still being investigated. I would not have guessed it happened so long ago.

A few days ago the police officer died from his injuries. He had been in a coma for more than 5 years. The funeral was today by my office. I didn't make the connection for awhile. Two large fire trucks were parked on the side of Broadway for more than an hour. I just thought they were doing some type of maneuver. Eventually they moved up and blocked Broadway at 13th Street. About 12 police cars went by full of officers in full uniform.

A bunch of us were standing outside watching and realized it was probably this officer's funeral. The percession started with over 40 motorcycle cops escorting the hearse. It continued for almost 20 minutes with police cars, more motorcycles, unmarked cars, etc. The fireman stood along the intersection holding their hats against their chest.

It was hard to watch and amazing to watch too. I felt for the family not just for their loss but for the fact that there was probably some type of relief involved too after such a long drawn out ending. I felt for his colleagues that knew him that lost someone so close. I also felt for all the other officers and their families that had to be reminded of the delicate nature of their work and how it could happen to any of them on any given shift.