'I will carry his love:' Wife shares tearful memories at memorial for officer killed in Charlotte
Hundreds of law enforcement officers, family members, loved ones and community members gathered for an emotional processional and memorial for Joshua Eyer, one of four officers killed Monday in Charlotte when a man opened fire from a home as they were serving a warrant.
People lined the streets as officers marched alongside Officer Eyer's horse-drawn casket, draped in an American flag, as it was carried to First Baptist Church.
People across the nation have sent condolences. Governor Roy Cooper ordered flags at half-staff and attended the funeral for Eyer. President Joe Biden visited Charlotte to meet with the families of the fallen officers, as well as three officers who had been injured.
Inside the church, Eyer's wife and young son sat in the front pew as the 31-year-old was remembered as a selfless "humble hero."
"Officer Josh Eyer, you are honorable. You are noble. Officer Eyer you represent everything great about this badge I wear over my heart and this patch I wear on my sleeve. You may be physically gone from us, but your spirit carries on in our hearts," said Chief Johnny Jennings.
His wife Ashley Eyer shared tearful memories of her husband, saying, "For 10 years, Josh and I built a beautiful life. It’s cliché, but I know the reason our love is so special is because he is and always will be my very best friend. He was so, so good to me. I never have and never will question how much he loved me, and I will carry his love with me for the rest of my life."
She thanked him for a beautiful life -- and for a beautiful son.
"We won't let you down, okay?" she said. "I love you so much, Sunshine."
We also heard from several people who worked alongside Eyer and described his commitment to keeping the community safe and the love he had for his family.
"Not only was he a great cop, but he was also a loving and caring father and husband. His smile lit up a room when he was with his family and those he loved so dearly. Today, we’re going to celebrate a humble hero," said Chaplain Lonnie Clouse.
Eyer was a six-year veteran of CMPD. He had just been named Officer of the Month for his division last month.
