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Fallen Clinton officer remembered at candlelight vigil

Posted at 11:08 PM, Aug 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-10 00:08:05-04

Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday night outside the Henry County Courthouse for a vigil to honor fallen police officer Gary Michael.

Michael was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Sunday night, which led to a manhunt for the suspect that lasted to Tuesday.

Wednesday, however, was all about coming together.

Families and large groups of people gathered outside the courthouse holding prayer cards, Thin Blue Line posters, and candles as they listened to speeches from the family of the fallen officer and others who knew him.

Michael's family thanked the crowd for their continued support and said the officer's memory will not be forgotten.

One attendee, Jose Lopez, said he went to the vigil to show support for the officer he would often see around town.

"He was kind hearted. He was understanding. He was a people person," Lopez explained. "It hurts knowing that I won't see him again when he drives by. I would waive, he waived back. Even if I didn't waive, he waived back."

Others, like Lisa Weber, brought children to the vigil to show them the importance of honoring a hero.

"(Children) should know what this is and what we're doing here, which is supporting this officer," she explained. "This is horrible. We should show our gratitude and respect for this man."

With the vigil coming in the wake of Sunday's tragedy, resident Jerry Crump said it was important for the community to come together.

"Everyone who is coming here is deeply saddened by what's going on," he said.

During the vigil, the crowd sang "God Bless America" together. A bagpipe player also played "Amazing Grace" before the conclusion of the event.

The vigil served as the first of multiple ceremonies to honor Officer Gary Michael. On Friday, a visitation will be held from 6-9 pm at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton.

The funeral for Officer Gary Michael will be held Saturday at 11 am at the Benson Convention Center.

Extended coverage:

McCarthy charged with murder in Clinton cop slaying, booked into county jail 

Clinton community comes together after officer is shot, killed in traffic stop turned violent 

Photos of fallen Clinton officer in training 

Family remembers Clinton, Missouri officer Gary Michael 

Photos: Kansas, Missouri officers killed in the line of duty since 1997