MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor A C Wharton was one of the first speakers to make remarks at the funeral service for murdered Memphis Police Officer Sean Bolton.
“We honor today a peacemaker, Memphis Police Officer Sean Bolton,” said Wharton.
No sooner had the Mayor began when around 70 Police Officers quietly got up and walked out.
Those watching the live broadcast never got to see their impactful exit as the camera stayed on the Mayor who never flinched as Officer after Officer walked out.
I-Pad video showed the officers just standing outside in the lobby apparently waiting for the Mayor to finish.
As soon as he did, they filed back in to hear Police Director Toney Armstrong speak.
“Sean made it home. God embraced him and God looked at him and said ‘Sean all lives matter’. Thank you,” said Armstrong.
Officers gave him a standing ovation.
The tension between Memphis Police and the Wharton Administration has been no secret.
Police have been angry over cuts to benefits and their pension.
One fellow Officer even mentioned it as he reflected on the life of Officer Sean Bolton.
“Nothing could stop Officer Bolton. A cut in benefits couldn’t stop Officer Bolton,” said the fellow Officer to a round of applause.
Despite the walkout, Officers made it clear they were behind their fallen brother, Officer Sean Bolton, 100 percent.
His life may be the prime example of why those who serve deserve support and respect.
WREG asked Mayor Wharton’s Office for a comment on what happened at the funeral.
So far they have not responded.