Mid-Missouri law enforcement lead procession in honor of fallen officer

Law enforcement throughout Mid-Missouri rallied together to honor a fallen New Bloomfield Officer on Saturday.

Michael Tufts passed away one week ago. He battled for his life for almost two years in a coma after a drunk driver crashed into his truck in 2012.

Officers led him and his family on a 122-mile procession to his final resting place outside of St. Louis. Several units came to pay their respects, including New Bloomfield, Holts Summit, Eldon, Callaway County Sheriff, Columbia, Fulton and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“Well, Michael obviously was a young officer,” said New Bloomfield Police Chief Christopher Hammann. “He wasn’t there more than four months, but if he hadn’t been hit, he’d still be working. He’s always going to be a part of the department. This is what he deserved.

Chief Hammann told ABC 17 he appreciated all of the support from the Columbia Police Department to direct traffic during the procession.