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Hundreds gather for memorial to honor fallen officer Kenny Moats

Hundreds of community members gathered at Jack Greene Park in Maryville Friday to remember fallen police officer Kenny Moats.

Officer wore a band of bourning of their badges to honor Officer Kenny Moats.

Moats, a 9 1/2-year veteran of the Maryville Police Department, was shot and killed Thursday while responding to a domestic violence incident.

RELATED: Man, 44 charged in Maryville Officer's death

Moats leaves behind a wife and three children.

Raw emotion filled the park during the candlelight vigil Friday and a community gathered to pray, sing and be together.

A family embraces one another during a prayer at the memorial. 

“They put their bodies in front of ours, to me, that’s the ultimate sacrifice. And it’s their families have to sacrifice,” said memorial attendee Shelia Davis.

“Those kids aren’t going to see their father. He’s not going to get to see them grow up because he was trying to help somebody else.”

People hold candles during Friday night memorial.

People were able to write notes of encouragement to Maryville PD. They also left messages on signs.

Child writes note to officers outside the memorial.

A number of officers from other counties attended as well, to honor their fallen brother.

Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider embraces Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp.

Organizers said they don’t want the community support to stop now. Even after the candles have been blown out and the funeral is over, they say it is still important for people to continue to show law enforcement that they care not only for Officer Moats, but for every single man and woman behind the badge.

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