Neighborhood gathers exterior Toledo Police Division to assist Officer Brandon Stalker’s household

Officer Stalker is the second Toledo police officer to be shot dead on duty last year. Officer Anthony Dia was killed by a rifleman on July 4, 2020.

TOLEDO, Ohio – Family and strangers came together on Saturday afternoon to support Officer Brandon Stalker’s family and the Brothers and Sisters in Blue.

“It was really hard. He was my only boy, he was my best friend,” said Cosette Stalker, the mother of Officer Stalker.

Stalker was shot dead on duty while working in security in a stalemate in central Toledo on Monday.

CONNECTED: ‘It’s a dark day in our city’ | TPD officer dies after a stalemate in central Toledo

“He loved everyone, always had a smile on his face, would do anything for anyone,” said Stalker’s mother.

Heartbreak is a feeling that many still come to terms with, including Lynn Allison, one of Officer Stalker’s best friends for over 10 years.

“It was definitely hard, it’s still unreal. It hit me, but it didn’t hit me when that makes sense,” Allison said.

Toledo Police Chief George Kral says much of the armed forces, including himself, are autopilots.

You’re still in shock and denial, but grateful for the encouragement that comes in.

“When we see how much support is being received not just from Toledoans but from Michigan across the country. I’ve got calls and letters and phone calls,” Chief Kral said. “It really means a lot to officials to know that while what happened was tragic, they still have the majority of people’s support.”

Officer Stalker is the second Toledo police officer to be shot dead on duty last year. Officer Anthony Dia was killed by a rifleman on July 4, 2020.

As after Dia’s murder, support for the family of Officer Stalker and his colleagues was in full force in the days following the tragic shooting, even from people who never knew the 24-year-old.

CONNECTED: The family mourns Ofc. Stalker’s death

“I feel really bad that this is happening. Because it shouldn’t happen. People have to respect the police more. That’s why I come here often to pray the rosary for the Toledo police and all the policemen,” he told Toledoan Kristi Kill.

A prayer for a saddened ward reminding Officer Stalker that they have his six from here.