OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A horse-drawn carriage escorted the body of fallen Overland Park Office Mike Mosher, as police departments and sheriff's offices from across Kansas and Missouri lined College Boulevard.
A riderless horse walked behind, signifying the loss.
Mosher's wife, daughter and family followed, surrounded by the Overland Park Police Department. Mosher lost his life May 3 after pursuing a hit-and-run suspect, who also died.
People who might not have even known Mosher attended his funeral procession.
"I just wanted to show a little respect for him, the officers and the family," said Pat Leary, who used to manage a tow company and got to know several Overland Park police officers.
Andrew Starz, a firefighter, attended with a few friends. He was there for Wyandotte County Sheriff's Deputy Theresa King's funeral procession after she and another deputy were killed in the line of duty in 2018. He felt it was important to support Mosher.
"I think just as a sign of respect and a final goodbye, just come out here," Starz said. "And also for the family, let the family know people cared about him. They care about his service."
Parents like Courtney Becker brought their children to watch.
"It fills my heart to know there's so much support and backing for them," Becker said.
Becker's husband is a Johnson County sheriff's deputy, so she said it was important for her three boys to see it.
"It's a hard thing to tell them what happened to Officer Mosher because you don't want them to fear for their dad,” Becker said, “but also it's great for them to see the support.”
