Click Here for Video
FRANCONIA, N.H. --
Under a light rain and a cold mist, thousands of law enforcement officials from across the region and beyond gathered Thursday to say goodbye to a Franconia officer shot and killed in the line of duty.
A roar of motorcycles heralded the start of the procession for Cpl. Bruce McKay, 48, on Cannon Mountain. During the service, he was remembered as a man dedicated to his duty and to his community.
"We gather here today in the shadow of this great mountain to honor the life of Cpl. Bruce McKay," Gov. John Lynch said. "Cannon Mountain stands guard over this town much like Bruce McKay watched over and protected Franconia."
Lynch spoke of McKay's love for his 9-year-old daughter, Courtney.
"Courtney, I know your heart is broken and you feel awful about what happened to your dad," Lynch said. "Be comforted in knowing that your dad loved you, and your memories of his love for you can never be taken away.
Courtney later rose to read her thoughts about her dad but could only read the first sentence before breaking down and leaving the microphone.
"You know my dad as Franconia officer Bruce McKay, or 44-K, but my dad was so much more," she said.
The Rev. Lyn Winter finished Courtney's speech, her voice sometimes breaking with emotion.
"He loved nature. He loved our house. He loved being a police officer, and he loved me," she read. "My dad was my best bud. My dad loved me, and I loved him.
"My dad was the bravest and greatest man I've ever known. My love for him will never die."
The service followed a procession by law enforcement officials from across the region, and the shouts marking cadence for the groups of officers resounded around Echo Lake. McKay was an EMT and a firefighter in neighboring Lisbon, and a gigantic American flag was hoisted by the ladders of two fire trucks over the procession route.
All wore dress uniforms, including the two remaining members of the Franconia Police Department, which did not have dress uniforms until the October death of Manchester Officer Michael Briggs. The department ordered their uniforms for that occasion, uniforms that were designed by McKay.
Months from now, the site of McKay's funeral service would have been a happy occasion for his family, as he planned to marry at Echo Lake. On Thursday, Lynch gave his daughter a flag in her father's memory.
Attorney General Kelly Ayotte described McKay as a dedicated officer.
"He would just say that he was doing his job, but we all know that the work that he did takes a special person," Ayotte said. "He chose to perform a difficult and dangerous job because he cared deeply about the quality of life of the people of Franconia and the people of this state."
Ayotte presented McKay's family with an Outstanding Arrest Award that he was scheduled to receive for a traffic stop of his that turned into a major drug arrest involving several communities.
McKay was shot and killed Friday evening during a traffic stop by Liko Kenney, 24. Kenney was shot by a passer-by who ran to McKay's aid and grabbed McKay's gun.
The service ended with a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps." The New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums played "Amazing Grace." One lone bagpiper began the song before being joined by the rest. The song ended with the lone bagpiper walking away.
