Fallen Stone County Deputy Mike Stephen was laid to rest Wednesday, July 24.
Deputy Stephen was killed in the line of duty Thursday, July 18 after gunfire erupted when he responded to a domestic welfare check.
The family of Stephen asked for privacy, so we did not take cameras into the funeral service.
But outside, it was no secret that Deputy Stephen touched many lives.
A sea of police cruisers parked side-by-side from agencies across the state, and some from across the nation.
“This is like a brotherhood,” said Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputy, Mathew Gentry.
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office traveled in a pack to pay their respects to deputy Stephen. They did not know him on a personal level, but are forever brothers in blue.
“We are all one big family,” said Gentry. “When we go out on calls, we work to get everyone home safe; the citizens, the officers, but unfortunately that doesn’t always happen.”
Deputy Stephen died a hero while protecting and serving his community.
He also wore many other badges.
He served as the Chief of the Pineville Fire Department, was an Army veteran, and spent 20 years in law enforcement.
His family and closest friends followed in procession after the funeral to deputy Stephen’s burial site for a private service.
The line of vehicles in honor of Stephen ended with his hometown fire crews passing in their engines.
For the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, they said their support moves forward with the family.
“We love y’all,” said Gentry. "If there is anything we can do for y’all, we will do anything we can to help. If you need anything, please give us a call. I know the rest of the law enforcement community has got your back, too.”