ROANOKE, Va. – Two Bridgewater officers who gave their lives to protect students and staff are back home.
John Painter and J.J. Jefferson were escorted back from the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke Thursday afternoon.
Officers, first responders and people from all over the state stopped what they were doing to stand out in the rain and honor the fallen heroes.
The escort included more than 50 cars from more than a dozen departments joining the Interstate 81 trek to bring the brave men home to their grieving community.
For those who wear the badge, Tuesday’s tragedy is a stark reminder of just how dangerous the job can be.
“I know that they’ll be remembered as heroes,” said Bridgewater Police Chief Phillip Read. “What they did on Tuesday, no question, they saved lives. They will always be remembered as heroes.”
Painter’s family joined the procession. Jefferson’s family is waiting back in Bridgewater.
Still no word on funeral arrangements for either man.