CLINTON, Mo.-- Hundreds of community members gathered in the same spot they did about 7 months ago to pay their respects to another fallen Clinton Police Officer.
"I did not know Officer Morton but a lot of my family did and so we wanted to come and pay our respects," said Carolyn McAllister, Clinton Resident.
McAllister was just one of the hundreds who gathered at the Henry County Courthouse to support the Morton family. With such short notice, the Clinton community came through after the Henry County Sheriff's daughter, Jennifer Wagner, planned the vigil for Sunday night.
Tears falling as “Amazing Grace” was played here at the candlelight vigil. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/1yMDDTUbWC
— McKenzie Nelson (@McKenzieMNelson) March 12, 2018
"She put the word out a couple of days ago and felt this was an important activity to do this evening, to have a vigil to honor Officer Morton," said Kent Oberkrom, Henry County Sheriff.
Officer Christopher Ryan Morton was killed Tuesday responding to a 911 call.
Sunday, his parents spoke about how much their son meant to them, and to give thanks to the Clinton Police Department and its community.
"Now I know why my son loved this town so much, it's a great town. He loved being a police officer, and I want to thank the Clinton PD, great bunch of guys, big family. My son loved every one of them," said Darrel Morton, Father of Officer Morton.
The community and Officer Morton's parents are finding strength through their faith and the support around them to move forward, one day at a time.
"He's right here with us and he's right beside me and that's how I was able to survive today, and tomorrow, and all the other days that are going to come," said Tara Morton, Mother of Officer Morton.
Officer Morton's Funeral begins at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Benson Convention Center in Clinton. Morton will then be laid to rest in Knob Noster.
