TOLEDO, Ohio — Tuesday is another somber day in Toledo.
It was only about six months ago when the Toledo Police Department and law enforcement from around the country gathered together at John F. Savage Arena at the University of Toledo for the funeral of another fallen officer, Anthony Dia.
Tuesday is a chance for family, friends and fellow brothers in blue to pay their respects to Officer Brandon Stalker.
Stalker was 24 years old. In addition to his parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family, he leaves behind a fiancé and two young children.
The 2015 Whitmer High School graduate played baseball in high school and even coached at his alma mater.
He joined the Toledo Police Department in 2018 and is described as someone with a huge heart who loved to help others.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an armed standoff tragically ended after a suspect shot and killed Stalker when he was securing the perimeter of the scene.
The community has rallied around the officer’s family and the department with efforts like fundraisers and vigils.
Just days after the tragedy, Spectrum News had the chance to speak with a family member of Stalker. Leia McIntosh said her father is the fallen hero’s cousin. She describes him as a big brother — a protector.
“Really missing that positivity, that feeling of protection and that overwhelming love he just showed everyone in his life,” said McIntosh.
Toledo Police are encouraging people to line the procession route from the arena to the cemetery to offer support and condolences beginning at noon.
After the funeral, the procession will end with a private ceremony at Toledo Memorial Park.
Toledo Police are encouraging people to line the procession route to offer support and condolences beginning at noon. After the funeral, the procession will end with a private ceremony at Toledo Memorial Park. @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/3Oiy4TJVGm
— Micaela Marshall (@MMarshallTV) January 26, 2021
