Feb 1, 2008 8:40 pm US/Eastern
A Life Cut Short: Fallen Officer Laid To Rest
Friends, Family Remember Officer Ridley, Ask For Answers
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Mourners gathered at the Grace Baptist Church to remember Christopher Ridley, a Mt. Vernon police officer gunned down by "friendly fire."
CBS
There were tears and calls for justice Friday at the funeral of Christopher Ridley, the Mount Vernon cop killed by "friendly fire." More than 1,000 officers representing almost 100 departments joined Ridley's family and crowd of mourners.
It was a farewell worthy of a hero. Voices soared -- and tears flowed -- as sadness at the loss of one so young - mixed with gratitude for his life and service to others.
"But in the midst of our hurt, we celebrate joy in the life of Christopher, and what he stood for, and more importantly, what he died for," William Mizell of Grace Baptist Church.
A thousand heavy hearts inside Grace Baptist listened as one of Ridley's best friends paid him poetic tribute.
"You always said how far you wanted your career to go, but on Jan. 25 I can't believe I had to let you go," Mount Vernon Police Officer Steve Sexton. "You're in a better place now, we all truly know, but when it came to the MVPD you were our little bro."
Ridley's cousin spoke for the family, expressing gratitude and demanding answers after the off-duty cop was shot dead by county police as he tried to arrest a man for assault.
"It is our hope that a fair and impartial investigation will be conducted and lead us to the facts that will allow us to get justice," Danielle Scholar said. "For it is only justice that will help our family begin the process of healing."
As Ridley was taken to his final resting place, a cold rain fell and the comparison was inescapable. It seemed like tears from above.
Investigators say Ridley's gun went off as he struggled with the suspect that may have caused ringing in his ears, and he didn't hear cops order him to drop his gun.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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