'C.J. brought calm into the chaos': Community gathers for funeral of Edmond police officer

JaNae Williams, Oklahoman
·3 min read
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An American flag suspended between two Edmond Fire Department ladder trucks blew in the wind as hundreds of people gathered Monday to honor Sgt. C.J. Nelson, of the Edmond Police Department, and pay their respects to his family.

Officers arrived from Kansas, Arkansas and Texas, along with towns in Oklahoma from Weatherford to Tulsa, Enid to McAlester, to celebrate Nelson's life. Hundreds of motorcycle officers from various law enforcement agencies escorted the Nelson family down the interstate and to Crossings Community Church for the service.

"The tragedy of July 19 is not the fingerprint that C.J. has placed on our lives," said Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger. "I'm convinced that C.J.'s life screams encouragement to those that will listen — love one another."

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Colleagues and family share emotional memories

The memorial wavered between tear-filled admiration and laughter-inducing recollections from those who knew and worked with Nelson.

"C.J. is not replaceable and his absence leaves a hole in the department that cannot be filled," said Sgt. Mason Long, one of Nelson's academy classmates.

The 38-year-old Nelson, a native Hawaiian, moved to Edmond in 2009 and was part of the city's first police academy. Three years later he became a motorcycle officer, and in 2014 he gained a place on the Edmond Police SWAT team. His death while on his motorcycle came just one day before he was to celebrate his 13th anniversary with the department. Nelson also provided security for St. Luke's Methodist Church in Edmond on Sundays.

A horse is led through the crowd Monday as part of the riderless horse ceremony after the funeral for Edmond police Sgt. C.J. Nelson at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City.
A horse is led through the crowd Monday as part of the riderless horse ceremony after the funeral for Edmond police Sgt. C.J. Nelson at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City.

In the more than 130 years since Edmond's founding, Nelson is the first officer to die in the line of duty, according to the department. He was regarded as intuitive, intelligent and a soothing presence by those who knew him.

"He knew what I needed before I even asked. C.J. was selfless," said Sgt. Joe Delpha, another academy classmate. "C.J. brought calm into the chaos."

"I believe that if CJ could say anything to all of us here today, in that smooth calm Hawaiian boy voice, he would say 'Woosah and take it one day at a time, we'll get through this,'" Delpha said.

Officer Chris Brown, one of Nelson's colleagues, was given permission from the family to ride Nelson's personal Harley Davidson in Monday's procession. As Brown recounted his weekend rebuilding the bike Nelson had taken apart to work on, he broke down in tears. He was quickly joined onstage by several other officers in a showing of support.

Police officers from various departments throughout the state salute Edmond police Sgt. C.J. Nelson as his casket is loaded after Monday's funeral at Crossings Community Church.
Police officers from various departments throughout the state salute Edmond police Sgt. C.J. Nelson as his casket is loaded after Monday's funeral at Crossings Community Church.

"Putting the bike back together was therapy," he said. "It's parked outside, right behind the Bearkat, so if you guys get a chance go by and tell him we love him."

When Nelson's wife, Jenefer, took the stage, she spoke of a husband proud of his family and ancestry. She reflected on her husband's love for his children, Emily, 11, and Connor, 7, and the traits they gained from him.

"He was an island boy through and through; he was so proud of his Hawaiian roots, his Okinawan heritage, and he loved his family so deeply," she said. "Emily has his independent spirit, sarcastic, fun sense of humor and the confidence to be true to herself. Connor has C.J's softer side, his gentle spirit, his easygoing attitude and his servant's heart."

Edmond police Sgt. C.J. Nelson, 38, was killed in a multi-vehicle accident on July 19.
Edmond police Sgt. C.J. Nelson, 38, was killed in a multi-vehicle accident on July 19.

After the service, the crowd flowed into the parking lot of the church to see Nelson honored with a rifle salute, playing of taps, helicopter flyover, riderless horse ceremony, presenting of the flag to his family and final radio call. Nelson also was awarded the Law Enforcement Purple Heart and Police Cross medals, Younger said.

Nelson was killed July 19 when the driver of a utility truck hit his motorcycle and three other vehicles stopped at a red light at the intersection of Broadway Extension and Comfort Drive. The driver, Jay Steven Fite, 54, was arrested on manslaughter and murder complaints. Fite remains in the Oklahoma County jail and has not officially been charged at this time.

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Jenefer Nelson's name.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Hundreds gather for funeral of Edmond police officer killed in crash