At 8:15 I staked out a spot in front of AutoZone Park for the “Sea of Blue,” the procession of police cars assembled to honor fallen patrolman Timothy Warren.
I had never been to a “Sea of Blue” before and didn’t know what to expect. I thought I’d be cheering on the officers that passed and saying “thank you.”
Then, as the first cars rolled by. I realized the night meant something entirely different to them. It was a salute to a fallen comrade. I understood but not in a way like they did. I got quiet and put my hand over my heart. I’d heard 150 police cars would participate. Wrong. It was more like 600 to 700. In addition to MPD and Shelby County, there were officers from nearly every surrounding city, as well as from places as far away as Franklin, Knoxville and the border patrol.
R.I.P., Officer Warren. My sincere respect to all those who honored him tonight.
(Edit: There’s a video of the Sea of Blue here)