Law enforcement gathers for fallen Charlotte officer’s funeral

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WNCN) — In a row of uniforms, hundreds of law enforcement officers gathered outside First Baptist Charlotte to honor the life of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officer, Joshua Eyer.

“He was passionate, yet he was humble and truly an unselfish person,” said CMPD Champlain Lonnie Clause in front of the crowd.

Eyer and three other law enforcement officers died Monday during a standoff and shootout while serving a warrant on a convicted felon for having an illegal weapon.

Family, friends and colleagues remembered the husband, father and CMPD employee of the month.

“As big as Josh is he had the ability to make the world feel small, said Eyer’s friend, Charlie Sardelli, “When he spoke to you all he did was listen. He is there, present in the moment and attentive to what you’re saying and if you needed the shirt off his back, it would be off of his body before you were done asking a question.”

The crowd expressing both tears and laughter as they shared stories about Eyer’s life.

A man with lots of love to give. A man who deeply cared about his community.

“He was so, so good to me. I never have, and I never will, question how much he loved me, and I will carry his love with me for the rest of my life,” said his wife, Ashley.

She shared a message to officers and those who knew Eyer, as she continues to raise their 3-year-old son.

“Please help me by maintaining his legacy through Andrew. Help me teach him about who is daddy was and what he meant to each of you,” said Ashley.

Governor Roy Cooper also attended the funeral along with North Carolina Attorney General, Josh Stein. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson was also in attendance. She worked for CMPD for 25 years.

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