Vigil Held for Fallen Officer

(Bonne Terre, MO) Residents of the Parkland, including law enforcement officials, fire department members, and emergency services personnel, are remembering fallen Bonne Terre Police Officer Lane Burns following a special candlelight vigil held Sunday afternoon at the North County High School football field. The organizer of the event, and a member of the St. Francois County Backstopprs, Sheri Pratt, says the vigil was put together to help the community of Bonne Terre support law enforcement, and first responders, following the death of one of their own.

Chaplain Kevin Kappler, who led the prayer, serves the Farmington Police Department and regional Emergency Services. Kappler explains he has some advice for those who are close to law enforcement and first responders that are struggling with the events of the early morning of March 18th, when Officer Burns was killed on duty, be there for them.

Burns and Officer Garrett Worley were ambushed early the morning of March 18th when James J. Emerey of St. Louis ambushed the two as they answered a disturbance call at Bonne Terre's Motel 6. Emerey was shot and killed. Worley, who was shot in the leg, survived and has undergone surgery. North County High School Principle, Dr. Ryan Long, said staff members felt honored to open the stadium for the event, as any community is connected by their schools and law enforcement. Backstoppers is taking donations for the support of families of fallen officers.You can find more information here backstoppers.org