Among those who lost their lives in the King Soopers store massacre in Boulder, Colorado, which happened on Monday, was a brave police officer who left a loving wife and seven children behind.
Officer Eric Talley was serving the force for 11 years and was known as a courageous man. He showed that once again on the day he tragically died. According to reports, he was the first one to respond to the call about possible armed robbery of the store.
Eric Talley died a hero.
When others ran for safety, he ran towards the violence.
Our police are always willing to put their lives on the line for us & we should always thank every officer we see for their service.
May God comfort his family & heal their broken hearts. pic.twitter.com/19WuDZkMLy
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) March 23, 2021
His family and friends, among which his father and sister, describe 51-year-old Talley as a very vibrant person loved by everyone who has ever met him. Speaking to KUSA, a CNN affiliate, the grieving father, Homer Talley, said: “Didn’t surprise me he was the first one there. He loved his family more than anything. He was also a prankster with a “great sense of humor.”
Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold spoke of the brave act by officer Talley and said he was always ready to respond to any call saying his death was a huge loss not only to the family but the department as well.
Chief: Our hearts go out to all families impacted. There are 10 fatalities. She identified slain Police Officer Eric Talley, who was one of the first on the scene. She calls officer’s actions “heroic.”
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) March 23, 2021
In order to help officer Talley’s family, a GoFundMe page has been set up. So far, more than 10,000 people donated.
Officer Eric Talley is my big brother. He died today in the Boulder shooting. My heart is broken. I cannot explain how beautiful he was and what a devastating loss this is to so many. Fly high my sweet brother. You always wanted to be a pilot (damn color blindness). Soar. pic.twitter.com/tgt2DxPsqz
— Kirstin (@Roozersmom) March 23, 2021
Rest in peace, Officer Talley. You died a hero and your bravery will never be forgotten.