RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (AP) - A 100-strong choir of uniformed officers and a 21-gun salute sounded farewell at a memorial service for an Arkansas sheriff’s lieutenant who was killed last week in the line of duty.
Law enforcement officers from across the state wearing their badges with black ribbons packed a Russellville church Monday to remember Lt. Kevin Mainhart, who was shot to death during a traffic stop Thursday.
“I would say that about 80 percent of the people here did not know him,” Maumelle police Sgt. Shannon Giompoletti said. “It’s just general respect for all our brothers in blue.”
Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge were also in attendance.
Yell County Sheriff Bill Gilkey told the congregation that the fallen lieutenant stood out from the rest.
Mainhart, 46, had retired from the West Memphis Police Department after more than 20 years before he was hired by Yell County, where he supervised a team of deputies.
“He was more than just their leader,” Gilkey said. “He was their coach.”
Bagpipes led the way as Mainhart’s casket was taken from the church, and a police radio dispatch signed off Mainhart’s badge No. 7.
“We will never forget your ultimate sacrifice,” the dispatcher said over the radio. “You are clear to go 10-7.”
A 42-year-old man has been arrested in Mainhart’s death and two other killings.
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