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SALT LAKE CITY — The massive snowstorm back East has affected flights coming in and flying out of Salt Lake.
This means some police officers won't be able to attend Monday's funeral for fallen Unified Police officer Doug Barney.
"We grieve with the officers and the citizens of the Salt Lake area, and we wish we could be there to see him off," said New York City Police Lt. and president of the Brotherhood for the Fallen NYC, Rob Corbett, in a phone interview.
Every officer talks about the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement. Police in Utah have attended funerals for fallen officers in other states. Police officers from the East Coast coming to Utah return that support.
No matter which community they protect and serve, the badge is what bonds them.
"It's something we all live with, whether you're an NYPD officer or a cop in California or Salt Lake," Corbett said.
Since its founding last summer, members of the New York City chapter of the Brotherhood of the Fallen have attended 19 funerals for fallen officers.
Last week, two officers were killed in the line of duty within 24 hours. This past Saturday, two officers from Corbett's organization were in Ohio for the funeral of Danville police officer Thomas Cottrell.
"We send at least two police officers in dress uniform to every confrontational line of duty death anywhere in the United States," said Corbett.
But due to the storm that has shut down most of the East Coast, members of the Brotherhood for the Fallen won't be able to attend Barney's funeral.
"We're really sorry we can't make it out there," Corbett said. "We're very sad that we had five officers going out to Salt Lake City, but every flight in the area has been canceled." The Brotherhood of the Fallen NYC will send a card and a check to Barney's family.
Even though they can't make it to Barney's funeral, Corbett said the Brotherhood of the Fallen NYC will be there in spirit.
Related
Police, firefighters gather to cheer on slain officer's son
Saturday marked 13-year-old Jack Barney's first hockey game without his father, the police officer who was slain in the line of duty earlier this week. But Jack wasn't alone. Family, friends and hundreds of police officers from across the state were also there in the Acord Ice Arena on Saturday to cheer him on.Unified Police said officers who are not able to attend the funeral for Barney have sent letters of support.
"It is comforting and warming, and it really makes us feel special in a tough time," said Unified Police Deputy Chief Shane Hudson.
Hudson has been the go-to person for any out-of-town officers who need help planning their stay. He's heard from officers across the country. He's also heard from strangers wanting to help in any way they can.
Just thinking about it moves Hudson to tears.
"Our community is a wonderful community, and it's been very appreciated."
Contributing: Xoel Cardenas
