Small NC town says farewell to its first police officer killed in line of duty

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Small NC town says farewell to its first police officer killed in line of duty

Amanda Zhou

Tyler Herndon was loved by two families, Pastor Chip Sloan said Tuesday at First Baptist Church — one consisting of his sister, his parents and relatives, and another one at the Mount Holly Police Department.

Loved ones and friends of Herndon gathered Tuesday at the Kings Mountain church to honor the life of the Mount Holly police officer. Herndon was fatally shot while responding to a call in Gaston County last week.

During the ceremony Tuesday, Sloan, Mount Holly Police Chief Don Roper and Bethlehem Baptist Church Pastor Steve Taylor spoke about God and Herndon’s generosity and sense of duty. “Amazing Grace” and Laura Story’s “Blessings” were sung in between speeches. When the service was over, members of the Mount Holly Police Department led the exit, forming a “wall of honor.”

Herndon will be buried 4 miles away at Bethlehem Baptist after a procession. A flag will be flown over the intersection of Phifer Road and Kings Mountain Boulevard.

A viewing service of Herndon’s body preceded the funeral.

Herndon, 25, was shot last Friday while responding to a break-in call at a car wash and arcade on Beatty Drive and later pronounced dead. It is the first time a Mount Holly police officer has died in the line of service, Mount Holly police Chief Don Roper said.

‘We’re hurting’: Small NC city mourns loss of first officer to die in line of duty

Two Mount Holly officers and a Gaston County police officer were also involved but were not injured. They have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has said.

Joshua Tyler Funk, 24, was arrested and has been indicted by a grand jury on the charge of first-degree murder, according to officials. Funk’s first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

According to the Mount Holly Police Department’s Facebook page, a memorial fund has also been started at SouthState Bank.

This is a developing story.

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