Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks’ wife gives powerful tribute: ‘I will love you forever.’

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – One week after four law enforcement officers were killed in a shootout on Charlotte’s east side, the community continues to remember the fallen officers.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas ‘Tommy’ Weeks Jr. was honored in a memorial service Monday morning, May 6, at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte.

A memorial has been growing throughout the day Monday outside the courthouse to remember Weeks. His service on Monday gave the community a chance to understand who Deputy Weeks was as a law enforcement officer, husband, father, and friend.

The remains of Deputy U.S. Marshal Tommy Weeks sat on the stage above his U.S. Marshals uniform — gear he’s worn since 2011 when he joined the Marshals Service.

“Your tour of duty is now over. Know that you have served with great distinction, courage, honor, and pride,” Hon. Ronald Davis, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, said on Monday. “America’s star, a symbol of courage, empathy, compassion, and commitment shines brighter today than 13 years ago when you joined us.”

Weeks was killed on April 29 in a shootout on Galway Drive in east Charlotte while serving a warrant to a wanted felon for weapon violations.

“Tommy made it his mission that he wanted to be recognized as the light in this dark world,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Ryan King said Monday during the memorial service.

In his memorial service at Bojangles Coliseum, the stage was decorated with some of his favorite things like a hockey jersey, a beer, and a Washington Capitals hat.

Watch: Community honors the life and service of fallen Deputy US Marshal Thomas Weeks

Colleagues, friends, and family recalled their favorite memories of Weeks for his sense of humor and his no-nonsense approach to his duty.

“He could be a handful! During one tense hearing in his early days with our court there was a scuffle. The court needed to make a record, so I called upon the deputy marshal to testify, all we got was Tommy’s answer, ‘He acted up and I took care of it,’” Judge Robert Conrad, U.S. District Judge, said Monday.

In the ceremony, Weeks’ wife and children were presented with flags to symbolize his sacrifice.

“Tommy’s mission in life is to make the world safer and fight for justice. So what do I need? I need this country to come together to support our law enforcement officers so they can continue to fight for justice. Like my husband did,” Kelly Weeks said.

Monday’s event was a memorial service. The family will have a private funeral at another time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.