Remembering SGT. Gale Stauffer

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- On December 23, 2013 tragedy struck in Tupelo.

Police officers Gale Stauffer and Joseph Maher were shot by a bank robber.

The shootings sent Maher to the hospital in critical condition, and ended the life of Stauffer.

On Wednesday, Tupelo held its Second Annual Memorial service to honor Stauffer.

Dozens of loved ones filled the Link Center to pay their respects and honor the the life of a fallen hero.

Police officer Gale Stauffer was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty.

“In Gale’s service we were told to look for the light, and you know, Gale was a light in our world and he was a light to many people that he came in contact with,” Stauffer’s mother, Debbie Brangenberg said.

Debbie Brangenberg said she is still trying to cope with the loss of her son, and the holiday season just won’t be the same without him.

“The first year you’re in a fog,  I mean you don’t remember anything and then you know that it’s real, that you’ll never see your child again, so that’s been a really hard thing for this year,” she said.

But Brangenberg said she tries to think about the good times they shared. Even some of Stauffers colleagues are remembering the ole days.

“Gale is a character, now you really have to get to know him, he’s a part comedian, and also a police officer,” Tupelo Police Department Police Chief Bart Aguirre said.

Chief Bart Aguirre describes Stauffer as irreplaceable and a fun guy to work with.

“He was that kind of person that would come inside a room and just light up the room,” he said.

A precious light, that will always shine bright in the memory of others.

Brangenberg was asked, if she could say one thing to her son what would it be?

She smiled and said..

“I miss ya buddy.”

During the service, The Tupelo Police Department honored Mayor Jason Shelton with a retired flag that was flown at TPD