By Bill Christian, WJHL News (Tennessee)
Many officers who attended the funeral of officer Mark Vance didn’t know him, but still consider this man a brother.
“It hurts deeply. We have a brotherhood of the badge and it extends far?far, anywhere in the world. When an officer is down, we take it seriously.” Said Deputy Walter Robertson, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department.
Serious loss felt for someone he never met, but with whom he and other officers feel a strong bond.
“You may not know that officer personally or ever met them before, but you have a connection with that officer.” Said Major Blake Andis, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Department.
Connected by a willingness to serve, no matter the dangers.
Investigators say officer Mark Vance was shot in the face by 26-year-old Nikolaus Johnson while answering a domestic dispute call.
“He was asked to find a man with a gun. Mark found his man.” Said Chief Blaine Wade, Bristol, Tennessee Police Department.
After nearly five years on the Bristol Tennessee Police force, Vance had earned the respect of Chief Blaine Wade and everyone who knew him.
“Mark was a good guy. He was one of the best people you could have met.” Said Stella McCarty, Friend.
The impact of Officer Vance’s death has touched the entire community. As the funeral procession wound down Volunteer Parkway, people lined the street to pay tribute. A tribute that touched the officers who came to say goodbye to a fallen brother, a brother who served his community, despite the danger.