Community meets to pay last respects to NC NC soldier Kevin Conner

TABOR CITY, N.C. (WTVD) –

The community of Tabor City met Sunday to pay their respects to Private Kevin Conner, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Wednesday morning.

If the number of people attending the funeral of the soldier Kevin Connor told you anything about it, it would be that he was loved.

Gary Hooks' son is an officer of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

"It hurts, it hurts," said Gary Hooks who attended the funeral. "Kevin was a really special person – it's a job in which you never know when you're going to get a call – just like his wife."

Family, friends and law enforcement from the Carolinas, Utah, Texas and even Alaska came to pay homage to the hero who was wearing the B-551 badge.

"His loss will not only be devastating for our organization, but for the community," said First Sergeant Michael Baker. "He was an awesome father, a great husband and a great friend – it's the hardest part."

The crate unit of the North Carolina Troopers Association escorted the body of the deceased officer under the eyes of hundreds of people. The Conner car rider spent countless hours in every shift sitting outside, draped in a purple and black streamer in his honor.

"Like Kevin, he never thought that the other night would be the last, no one did," Hooks said.

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