Hardin County honors fallen Deputy Matthew Locke
HARDIN COUNTY (WNBJ)-
Fallen officer deputy Matthew Smith Locke was honored today as hundreds attended his funeral in Hardin County.
“Matt was the ultimate soldier and officer, a man who gave his life the night of Saturday September twenty-fifth twenty-twenty-one while trying to save someone else life,” said the Selmer Army National Guard Chaplin.
Deputy Locke was shot and died as a result of his injuries while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Clifton.
Locke was only thirty years old.
Hardin county sheriff Johnny Alexander spoke about when he first heard the news, “as the sheriff, this was the call I never wanted to receive. This is one of the most difficult things that I have ever had to endure in my law enforcement career.”
Locke was a father, army national guard member, and a seven-year deputy for the Hardin County sheriff’s department.
His older brother talks about how difficult life will be without his younger brother, “We did everything together, and it just feels like I’ve lost a part of my soul and I don’t even think that this is reality right now, because that’s my little bro.”
Locke’s partner Deputy Kevin Thompson, speaks about the impact that Locke had on his life, "I’m a better father, a better, and a better law enforcement officer for having known him.”
Locke’s younger sister Autumn says that her brother was her hero and the one that brought the family together, “We lost the glue, our brother and my parents lost their son. A piece of us is gone and our lives are changed forever.”
Hundred of officers from across the state, national guardsmen, first responders, family and friends paid their respects to deputy Locke.
The US honor flag, first flown over ground zero on nine eleven, was brought to the funeral to honor deputy Locke for giving his life in service of his community and country.
Hundreds of Hardin county residents lined the streets to pay tribute as the procession of law enforcement, family and friends escorted deputy Matthew Locke to his final resting place.
Hardin County residents say they will always remember deputy Locke as a hero.
