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by Gregory Floyd who witnessed the shooting as he was driving by stopped to give assistance even though he was unarmed. He went to the officer's side and realizing he was already gone immediately took the officer's gun and ordered the offender to put down his gun. The offender refused and when he started to reload, Floyd shot and killed him. Bravo to a true hero!!!
Hundreds Gather To Mourn Slain Officer
Honor Guard Stands By Officer's Casket
POSTED: 12:14 pm EDT May 16, 2007
UPDATED: 12:07 am EDT May 17, 2007
FRANCONIA, N.H. -- Hundreds of mourners lined up Wednesday to honor a Franconia police officer killed in the line of duty last week.
Cpl. Bruce McKay, 48, was shot four times Friday night during a traffic stop. Police said Liko Kenney, 24, shot McKay before being shot and killed by a passer-by.
Flanked by a police escort, the hearse bearing McKay's body arrived at Franconia Town Hall shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday. Once inside McKay's casket was covered with an American flag. His hat and badge were resting on top, and an honor guard was posted at the side.
"It means a lot to all of us to be able to here and to stand next to him and give him that honor guard and that time to give him the respect he deserves," state Trooper Dennis Wade said.
Since McKay's body was picked up at the funeral home, there have been two officers at his side, and there will be until the end of the memorial service Thursday.
"Even though this is private, what's going on during the time that no one is here, we need to give him the respect at all times," Wade said.
Visiting hours were held for the public during the afternoon, and many residents from Franconia and the surrounding community went to say goodbye.
"Well, a lot of people like Bruce," Franconia resident Tom Hughes said. "He was a good cop."
Some residents said that McKay was there for them when they needed help the most.
"He was the first on the scene at my husband's death on (Interstate) 93 five years ago on May 10," said Melissa Devoe-Stephenson, of Sugar Hill. "So Bruce has shown kindness to my family and compassion."
Up the street at the fire station where McKay worked as an EMT, firefighters were putting the finishing touches on a memorial in his honor.
"It brings us closer with the police and our EMS and fire -- we all are pretty tight," fire Chief Richard McLachrin said. "We work as a group on emergency calls. To lose somebody is very sad."
Thousands were expected to travel to Franconia for the memorial service, and workers were out getting ready for the crowds and to give McKay a fitting tribute.
"We lost a brother officer. The firemen lost a brother fireman," Wade said. "And when one of us dies in the line of duty, it means a lot to all of us."
McKay's family was at the memorial along with the law enforcement officers.
The public memorial and funeral service begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Echo Lake in Franconia Notch.
Several area hotels are offering discounted rates for those attending McKay's funeral. For a list of participating hotels, click here.
A fund in McKay's has also been set up. Donations can be sent to:
The Bruce McKay Family Fund
North Country Public Safety Officer's Foundation
c/o Town of Franconia
P.O. Box 900
Franconia, NH 03580
State Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said a passer-by, Gregory Floyd, 49, witnessed the incident and rushed to the officer's aid. Investigators say Floyd grabbed McKay's gun and ordered Kenney to drop his weapon. According to Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin, Floyd fatally shot Kenney when he tried to reload his gun.
Ayotte said the state has decided Floyd's actions were justified and he will not be facing any charges.
The only way for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing!
