Video: Tupelo Marks First Anniversary of the Death of SGT Gale Stauffer

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – One year ago  Tupelo Police Sergeant Gale Stauffer put his life on the line to save lives during a bank robbery. On Tuesday  family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers joined together to honor his life and sacrifice on that day.

The Stauffer Family are greeted with hugs as the community poured into the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo to once again remember the life of Sergeant Gale Stauffer who lost his life one year ago.

TPD Lt. Tim Bell said, “Brotherhood of law enforcement runs deep amongst all of us we’re very tight knit group of people and when an officer does what Sergeant Stauffer did we just want to remember his sacrifice that he gave for us as well as other people inside of the city.”

His sacrifice saved many lives that day, but Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre says it left a hole in their hearts.

“We are slowly healing and it’s not healed all the way just yet but this kind of helps us recognize that ultimate sacrifice that Gale gave for this community,” said Aguirre.

As Mayor Jason Shelton and Sheriff Jim Johnson spoke on behalf of the Stauffer’s character, chief couldn’t help but think of Stauffer’s unforgettable personality.

“He was an LSU fan and SEC football is that what he is all about so hunting, football, and cooking.”

Lieutenant Tim Bell says it’s the sacrifice law enforcement understands when accepting their jobs; especially now as officers all over the nation are dying in the line of duty:

“We have to have a high vigilance in today’s times with the things we have to deal with that goes on across this country and even in the State of Mississippi we always try to prepare ourselves for what we may encounter.”

Tupelo Police Officer Joseph Maher attended the ceremony. He was critically injured during last year’s shooting.