Photos: Paying Final Respects to Poughkeepsie Officer John Falcone
Officer Falcone died a hero last week and was honored as a hero Thursday.
John Falcone, a veteran police officer of 18 years, was remembered by his beloved family, friends, brothers in blue and the community Thursday. They arrived to pay their final respects to the officer, killed in the line of duty, protecting and serving the City of Poughkeepsie.
Due to the amount of people attending the ceremony, shuttle buses were used to take viewers to St. James Church in Carmel. They began arriving at 9:40 a.m. Included in the massive police presence were representatives from Poughkeepsie, Putnam, Nassau, Ossining, Suffolk, Fort Lee, Teaneck and the NYPD.
There was an estimate "of 5,000 to 10,000 attendees," said Lt. Thomas Jones, one of the thousands of officers who came. He called it a sea of brotherhood, that when tragedy strikes, the officers from beyond the county come to "honor that person and the sacrifice that they made. This is how we show our respect."
Falcone was slain last Friday in Poughkeepsie by a man who also fatally shot his wife and killed himself.
For complete coverage of the shooting and its aftermath, click on the Poughkeepsie Journal here.
Michael Woyton
5:20 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
My heart is with my friends in the City of Poughkeepsie today.
Connie
5:50 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
OMG this is awful! I live in Clearwater, FL and this past Monday one of our Officers was killed by a 16 year old. Twenty eight days prior two other Officers were also killed. This all happened in St. Peterburg, FL. What is going on!! Something serious has to change. I say they should execute anyone that kills an officer - and soon ~ regardless of age! I sure don't want my tax money paying for the low-life while he rots in jail. And 'maybe' it will make them think before they take the life of an Officer. I'm sick!! My prayers will also be with this community and the Officer's family. (I came from Westchester before moving to FL.)
Jonathan A Moody
7:19 am on Friday, February 25, 2011
AMEN to you!!! From your lips to GOD's ears.... and I'm sure there are many more that feel your same sentiment!!!
The same should hold true to those that kill innocent children also!!!
Could you wish some warmer weather up here while your at it?
juliet
6:34 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
This is awful, one criminal makes our life difficult to live and for rest of people who maintain peace in our society. It is so sad that the Officer dies after serving for 18 years. I am sure heaven called on him to serve there. May God give strengh to his family. I can not believe how many sick people are out there.
I think anyone who kills an officer/civil service people should be procecuted. I hope to God that this will never happen again. We should all vote for procecution
juliet
Timothy Judge
8:48 am on Friday, February 25, 2011
My heart goes out to Officer Falcone's family, friends and fellow officers. Officer Falcone made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. When you meet a police officer, firefighter or EMT tell them how much you appreciate what they do and say thank you. Say thank you as a way to honor Officer Falcone.