First responders flood to Charlotte from across country for CMPD services

Taylor Young
·2 min read
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First responders flood to Charlotte from across country for CMPD services

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The deaths of four law enforcement officers have placed Charlotte in the national spotlight this week.

First responders from across the country poured into uptown this morning to pay their final respects to fallen Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officer Joshua Eyer.

Agencies from all across the Carolinas — and entire county were represented for the processional and services. Those included first responders past and present from Texas, New York City and New Jersey.

It left many who attended speechless.

“I mean it is profound. I can’t believe the outpouring of support for this officer,” said former New Jersey firefighter Charles Keith.

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There were law enforcement officers, military personnel, and other first responders  who became one unit at the end of a tragic week in the Queen City. Many of them did not know Eyer personally, but felt drawn to honor his life.

“Having been a former firefighter up in New Jersey, I felt the need to come out here and honor this guy for his service to the community,” Keith said.

However, retired National Guard Staff Sgt. Leah Beesmer-Gutierrez did know Eyer. They met more than a decade ago as soldiers — and have stayed in touch ever since.

“Because it doesn’t matter if you knew him or not,” she said in near First Baptist Church. “It is still that massive brotherhood and sisterhood. It is just a way to honor and give respect to those that have fallen.”

Bagpipes led the processional from CMPD headquarters to First Baptist Church Charlotte.
Bagpipes led the processional from CMPD headquarters to First Baptist Church Charlotte.

Whether they’ve served alongside him or learned Eyer’s name after his death, each man and women in uniform stood in solidarity to pay their respects.

“This man gave the ultimate sacrifice for the city,” Keith said. “It’s one of the saddest days I’ve ever seen in Charlotte.”

Agencies that weren’t present at Friday’s events helped the community in other ways. Other Mecklenburg County departments stepped in to help answer calls for service in Charlotte during the funeral: Matthews, Huntersville and Pineville police departments.

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