March 30 (UPI) -- Slain Boulder, Colo., police officer Eric Talley, who was among 10 killed last week in the shooting at a grocery store, was honored with a public memorial Tuesday.
The funeral took place at the Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette with a limited crowd size due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event was shown via live stream.
Talley's father, Homer Talley, described his son as a practical joker who loved his "family more than anything."
Pastor Jim Burgen praised Talley and other law enforcement officers for standing "on the thin blue line every day on our behalf."
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"I want to recognize and remember the nine other lives taken this past Monday and their families, the nine other people officer Talley ran toward to protect," he added. "We remember and we pray for you."
KCNC-TV in Denver reported that more than 500 law enforcement vehicles escorted the Talley family to the service in a motorcade that stretched some 8 miles long.
The Broomfield Police Department tweeted photos of the procession, describing it as a "humbling sight."
The city of Boulder canceled all public meetings and all city facilities Tuesday.
Talley was killed last week at the King Soopers market in Boulder when police say Ahmad Alissa opened fire inside the store.
Alissa, 21, has been charged with 10 counts of murder.
Talley was honored with a private Catholic mass on Monday and will be buried following Tuesday's public funeral.
"Our entire community is reeling from this tragedy, including our employees," Boulder interim City Manager Chris Meschuk said in a statement.
"Ten lives were lost last week, including a beloved colleague and a city advisory board volunteer, and our staff needs space and time to reflect, grieve and process an incredibly challenging week."
Some streets and intersections in Boulder were closed to make way for Tuesday's memorial procession.
