MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Law enforcement officers from across the region honored MPD officer Geoffrey Redd, who died during a call to a Memphis library, with a Sea of Blue on Monday.
The Sea of Blue started at 6:30 p.m. at the Greater Community Temple and ended at MPD’s Cordova precinct location where Redd was assigned.
This procession stretched more than 15 miles in honor of Redd, who died after being shot in the head by a trespasser at the Poplar-White Station library earlier this month.
Redd had been with the Memphis Police Department for 15 years.
During that time, it is said that he touched many lives across the city, which is why law enforcement agencies from across the Mid-South are expected to be in attendance to honor the man who courageously died protecting Memphians
“The funeral of a police officer killed in the line of duty is undoubtedly one of the most hardest times for a law enforcement officer during his career. The sea of blue has always been a fitting way to send our officer home,” said Col. Keith Watson with the Memphis Police Department.
Officer Redd was 49 years old and leaves behind a wife, three children, and countless other loved ones.
Many in attendance never knew him but they came together to honor him.
“We’re human. We’re human like anyone everybody else. We feel, we hurt, and we have to come together,” said Colorado police officer Telayna Luttrell.
Officer Redd’s stellar 15-year career with MPD touched young officers like Joseph Hibler.
“To know it’s someone you once worked with side-by-side, answering calls, pulling up and just having lunch, talking, it hurt even more,” Hibler said. “He told me it didn’t matter how tall we were or whatever we can do. We always need to put out best foot forward and I’m gone always continue to carry that on.”
Redd will be laid to rest Tuesday morning. His funeral is scheduled at Hope Church at 11 a.m.