'One big family': Officers from across region join procession for Deputy Tucker Blakely

A 12-mile stretch of Emory Road became a river of blue lights on the morning of Oct. 6 as hundreds of first responders from across East Tennessee paid their respects to Knox County sheriff's deputy Tucker Blakely, who died Oct. 2 after he suffered a gunshot wound while responding to a domestic violence call.

Before the morning procession began, mourners lined the road. Parents brought their children to see the fleet of police cars and motorcycles before they headed off to school. Some waved American flags and others held their hands over their hearts. Several wiped tears from their face as officers passed by.

Few words were exchanged and there was a stillness punctuated by the whirring of two helicopters above the Mynatt Funeral Home in Powell, where the procession left on a route to Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton. Blakely, 29, laid in honor and his life was celebrated with a service. He is survived by his wife, Katarina, and 5-year-old son, Hendrik.

The sign at the Powell Animal Hospital read, "Thank you for your sacrifice Deputy Blakely." Across the street at the Powell United Methodist Church, a daycare class sat in a single-file line to watch the procession go by.

"We just came to show respect to the officer, especially because he was a local Powell person, just to show respect to him and his family," said Tammy Rolen, holding her grandson. "It's just a tragic situation for a young family."

Just after 8:10 a.m., blue lights crested the hill, the first vehicles in a procession so long it took a full 15 minutes to pass.

The procession included not just Knox County Sheriff's Office and Knoxville Police Department cars, but vehicles from Anderson, Blount, Grainger and Jefferson counties, as well as the cities of Chattanooga, Maryville, Millington, Oak Ridge, Shelbyville and first responders from McGhee Tyson Airport and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Carolyn Shular made certain her grandchildren were among those lining Emory Road. She described the sight as "meaningful and respectful" and said it caused a chill to run through her.

The stream of lights ended in a sea of navy as officers and their families lined up to enter Clear Springs Baptist Church. Phyllis Ritter, the mother of a Knoxville police officer the same age as Blakely, came to the church with her daughter-in-law.

"My heart goes out to the family," Ritter said. "I want to pay my respects to her. I feel really bad. I might cry right here, but, you know, we're just going to pay our respects because I'm so sorry for this poor girl and the family."

For those who wish to donate to the family, the Hendrik Blakely Education Fund was set up at Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union at 501 E. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville TN 37915, to support Blakely's son.

Ritter said that kind of support was needed for officers and their families, noting an outpouring of respect she saw at the church.

"It just means that we need to do more for our law enforcement," Ritter said. "They need more help, like everybody, and they need more pay. It's a dangerous job. I mean, this boy lost his life."

Jay Bell, a pastor at Crossroads Church of God in Halls, stood in line with his wife to enter the church. He said the presence of officers from across the region was especially meaningful.

"It's just an awesome display of togetherness, how people can come together with a common cause," Bell said. "It's just what it ought to portray. They're one big family. ... You hate to see things like this that happen, but sometimes tragedy is what brings people together and you just hope you can keep that sense of togetherness for days to come."

An emotional but joyful memorial

Hundreds of community members, officers, and Blakely’s relatives and friends gathered at Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton for a service that concluded a day of honoring the deputy. They spoke near his flag-draped coffin about his life, his service and his sacrifice.

“He was so much more than the fallen officer we know today,” his wife, Katarina, told the congregation. “Even in the most difficult times, he found courage - an attribute I like to think we can now share.”

Blakely’s wife’s uncle, David Burkart, shared with the attendees that Katarina wanted the event to be a celebration of life, not a time of sorrow. In between the moments of tears, there were deeply personal stories that brought the crowd to smiles and laugher.U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, told mourners Blakely served with honor “knowing that any day could be his last.” Heroes are not sports stars or Hollywood actors, he said, but those who choose to enlist in the military or become community first responders.   “This officer’s life was cut way too short, but it’s clear by this crowd the impact he had on our community will live long on into the future, especially with that little boy,” Burchett said. The service was followed by a rifle salute and helicopter flyover.

What happened the night of Oct. 1?

The Knox County Sheriff's Office received a call around 11 p.m. Oct. 1 about a domestic disturbance in the 2300 block of Denver Lane, according to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which is reviewing the case.

Blakely was one of the deputies who responded.

The TBI said deputies "encountered an armed individual at the residence." Shots were exchanged between at least one deputy and the man, later identified as Matthew Logan Rose, 30, who died at the scene.

"Once on scene, and for reasons still under investigation, a man began firing at KCSO officers. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Officer Blakely was shot in the exchange of gunfire," Knox County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Kimberly Glenn said in a news release.

Blakely was rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for emergency treatment and succumbed to his injuries the next night.

"I can't express how thankful I am for the other officers, and for UT hospital," Ty Blakely told Knox News following his brother's death. "Seeing all these people who cared about him brings joy to my heart."

Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County deputy Tucker Blakely funeral, procession a river of blue