Family, friends and colleagues remembered a police officer who was shot and killed while responding to a call nearly a year ago.
Monday marks the anniversary of St. Clair Township police Officer Lloyd Reed's death. On Saturday, Reed’s family and fellow men and women in blue offered up prayers to honor him.
"In a time when the word hero kind of gets overused, Lloyd really was a true hero,” said St. Clair Township police Chief Donald Hess.
The community came together to share memories of the man behind the badge, and his widow expressed gratitude to any who have helped her in this trying time.
"The people that have been with me since Day One are turning up tonight to help me get through this for a year passing,” Rosemarie Reed said.
Memorial Park in New Florence was packed with people honoring Reed as a loving husband, a loyal friend and a phenomenal officer.
"It's a great showing of support from community like they have the past year. We just really appreciate everyone coming out,” Hess said.
Those who knew him best say he lived life to the fullest, cared deeply for his family, and loved telling stories.
Reed was gunned down on the job while responding to a domestic incident at Ray Shetler Jr.'s home on Ligonier Street. Investigators say Shetler and Reed exchanged gunfire in the front yard. Witnesses said Shetler shot Reed in the chest, ultimately killing him.
Rosemarie Reed thanked the community on Saturday for their support through the lengthy and stressful legal process. Shetler is still awaiting trial and faces the death penalty.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Community mourns loss of St. Clair Township police officer killed in shooting (Nov. 30, 2015)
- Man accused of killing St. Clair officer facing additional charges (Dec. 9, 2015)
- Man accused of killing officer: 'Everyone...knows I wouldn't do this' (Dec. 16, 2015)
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