CORTEZ, Colo. — Sgt. Michael Moran, the Cortez police officer who was shot and killed during a traffic stop last week, was honored Wednesday with a memorial and funeral procession through the town he served.
Moran's funeral was held at the Cortez Recreation Center and was not open to the public.
>Watch a replay of the service in the video player below.
“Mike wanted me to be a leader of high integrity,” said Cortez Police Sgt. Rogelio Maynard. “He wanted me to hold people accountable, including myself. Above all, he wanted me to always be there for the guys and he wanted me to always have their back. So, rest easy my friend. I’ve got their backs from here.”
A Cortez police patrol vehicle serves as a memorial to Moran – parked in front of the Cortez Police Department at 608 N. Park St. The public can leave caring notes or other forms of support like flowers and balloons for Moran's family.
"November 29, 2023 will be marked as another tragic day in our department's history,” said Police Chief Vernon Knuckles. "Mike is a hero. Not because of how he left us, but because of how he lived his life."
Cortez Police said Moran served in the Marine Corps for nine years, serving two tours in Iraq, before joining the department in 2012.
"While Mike was gone in his first tour in Iraq, he received the best news a man could hear,” said Maynard. “He was going to be a father for the first time. Upon returning from Iraq, he met his first-born daughter.”
"Sgt. Michael Moran will be remembered by his fellow officers for his dedication and sense of humor," the police department said in a release. "He leaves behind two daughters, many friends, and family."
At about 11:25 a.m. Nov. 29, Moran initiated a traffic stop on South Broadway for a complaint of reckless driving, Cortez Police Chief Vernon Knuckles said. There were two people inside the suspect vehicle, and one person shot Moran, according to police.
The suspect died at the scene, according to police. The man was identified as Jason Campbell, 44, of Ogden, Utah.
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