SOMERSET, Ky. — Slain Pulaski County Sheriff Sam Catron was remembered as a hero Thursday during funeral services that drew more than 2,000 mourners.

        “We owe Sam Catron this, that he did not die in vain. We must follow and pass on his example,” said U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., who delivered a eulogy at the Center for Rural Development, where the funeral was held.

With arms linked, the sheriff's mother, Jennie Rachel Catron, and her daughter, Nancy Hruneni and son, Lewis Catron, follow the casket of Sam Catron in Somerset. (Associated Press photo) | ZOOM |

        The auditorium was packed with a standing-room-only crowd and dozens of people listened outside to loudspeakers set up for the event. The route leading to the cemetery was lined with additional mourners.

        “I've never witnessed such widespread and universal grief,” Mr. Rogers said. “Everyone feels as if they've lost not just a family member, but a close family member.”

        Sheriff Catron, who had been sheriff since 1986, was killed by a single gunshot from a high-powered rifle Saturday night after giving a speech at a political rally and fish fry in Pulaski County.

        In the days that followed, three men were arrested and charged in connection with the slaying, including Sheriff Catron's opponent in the upcoming Republican primary. Sheriff Catron was running for a fifth term.

        Mr. Rogers, one of four speakers at the funeral service, also read a letter from President Bush, expressing his condolences to Sheriff Catron's mother and family.

        The Rev. Mark Toby, a Baptist minister from Somerset, said many people in Pulaski County saw Sheriff Catron as more than hero. “Truly, Sheriff Sam Catron was a superhero.”

        Hundreds of cruisers from across the state and nation were part of the processional to the cemetery. Lawmen and civilians wiped tears as a bugler played taps, and as police helicopters flew through the partly cloudy sky in the missing man formation.

        Pikeville Police Chief James Justice said officers across the state had known Sheriff Catron's reputation as a no-nonsense sheriff.

        “Thugs and drug dealers are not mourning too much right now,” Chief Justice said.

        Sheriff Harold Don Gabbard of Butler County, Ohio, said Sheriff Catron worked tirelessly.

        “It made no difference how many hours a day he had to work or how many days a week,” said Sheriff Gabbard, who worked closely with him on drug investigations that involved both departments. “The crooks would move back and forth between Ohio and Kentucky to hide. They couldn't with Sam on the job.”

        Lt. Eddie Herrell of the Florida Highway Patrol said Sheriff Catron's reputation in law enforcement circles was nationwide.

        “He was well-respected, a superb law enforcement officer,” Lt. Herrell, a Kentucky native, said as he prepared to go into the funeral. “This is basically equal to losing a brother.”

        Pulaski County Judge-executive Darrell Beshear said in a eulogy that Sheriff Catron worked long hours because he loved the job, but also because he loved the people he worked to protect.

        “He was the truest and most dedicated public servant I have ever known,” Mr. Beshear said. “We will never replace Sam Catron; nor should we try.”

        The Rev. Gerald Ashley, another Baptist minister who spoke at the funeral, said Sheriff Catron's death weighed heavily on local residents, just as did the death of President Kennedy or the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

        “For Pulaski Countians, last Saturday was one of those days we will never forget,” he said.
       

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