Senseless and tragic

Today is the funeral of Michael Briggs.

Don't know this name? Neither did I, though Michael already was known to our community for saving people in a rapidly burning building.

In another instance, Michael treated a person who had been shot, one Michael Addison, caring for him until EMT's arrived.

On early Monday, Michael Addison, this person Michael Briggs cared for the day he was shot, shot and killed him.

Somewhere overnight on the 16th, there was a report to Manchester police of a domestic violence incident. Michael Briggs, Manchester police officer who patroled on bicycle, responsed. Two people were fleeing the scene, and one, Michael Addison, turned and fired at Officer Briggs.

The next morning, our news was full of the critically injured officer. When I left work, the first story I heard on the news was of his 'killer.' Nothing further to hear here, they had just told me with that one reference how Officer Briggs fared.

So this morning I bring lunch to my mom. She is watching the news coverage of Officer Briggs funeral at the Fisher Cats ballpark. Not two miles from here, the park is filled to capacity with dignitaries, local citizenry, and officers from all over the country. The size of the Boston contingent astounds. I've included a picture of the funeral procession through Manchester, courtesy of the Manchester Union Leader.

Hundreds of police officers pay tribute to Briggs

This was the first officer lost in our community in 30 years. The irony, the tragedy, the senselessness overwhelms. There is a partner, there are two children, who have had to confront unspeakable pain. I set and I watched with mom, my mind simply unable to overcome the need of my tears to flow.