‘Patience and Professionalism’

‘Cut Far Too Short’: Boulder Cop Eric Talley Mourned After Mass Shooting

The first identified fatality in the horrific shooting that killed 10 people was the first cop on the scene—who had been praised for his care and courtesy.

Among the 10 people shot dead by a gunman at a Boulder, Colorado, grocery store Monday was Eric Talley, a 51-year-old cop who had been on the job since 2010. According to The Washington Post, Talley quit a steady information-technology job that year to join the force after one of his closest friends died in a DUI crash. Jeremy Herko, who attended the police academy with Talley, said: “He lost pay. He lost time away from his family. He joined the police academy without a guaranteed job.” The officer was described as having acted with restraint during a sensitive call years earlier, according to the City of Boulder’s 2016 annual report. “Our son suffers from mental, physical and developmental issues,” a community member is quoted as saying. “He was combative when Officer Talley arrived. Officer Talley acted calmly and professionally and helped keep our son safe, despite our son’s aggressive behaviors.” Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said Monday: “His life was cut far too short,” Chief Herold paid an emotional tribute to the fallen officer late Monday, praising his heroics as the first officer to respond to the shooting. The Denver Post reported he is the father of seven children.