WEST MEMPHIS, AR – While many people take police officers for granted, West Memphian Teresa wanted to show her appreciation. Even if it meant standing outside in the pouring rain as West Memphis Police said goodbye to two of their own. “This was very traumatic for West Memphis.”
Teresa doesn’t know the fallen officers personally, but she feels personally connected. She lost her mother 12 years ago, almost to the exact day Sgt. Brandon Paudert and Officer Billy Evans were gunned down on Interstate 40 after a traffic stop. Both were laid to rest Monday, May 24, 2010.
Loved ones described Paudert as an officer who loved the force and his family, and Evans as a man who loved his job, his life, and his family. Lifelong West Memphian Teresa says it’s her job to pay respect to those who protect and serve, even as dark clouds pass over West Memphis. “I do relate to your pain, and your husbands are heroes.”
The Police Benevolent Foundation set up a Memorial Fund for the officers families. You can make donations to the “Evans and Paudert Memorial Fund” at any SunTrust or Wachovia Bank.
