On April 20th Ada County Sherriff Tobin Bolter ended his watch.

Bolter was shot during a traffic stop. He died the next morning. Bolter was the first Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the agency’s history and the first law enforcement officer killed in Boise since 1997. He was 27 years old.

The ceremony was filled with law enforcement memorial service traditions, including an honor guard, a bagpipe and drum brigade, the playing of taps, and a gun salute.

Bolter’s wife, Abbey Bolter, was one of the speakers at the service. She spoke of the special bond she shared with her husband.

“I am mostly grieving the loss of my best friend this coming June we would have celebrated our sixth year of marriage. But Tobin and I have been friends for 14 years,” Abbey Bolter said. “He was a constant source of entertainment, the best proofreader, and cared for my soul. I will miss Tobin’s notes of encouragement he left for me regularly. We packed a lifetime of memories in the time that God gave us.”

Abbey Bolter also thanked people for the kindness she has received since Deputy Bolter’s death.

“I cannot comprehend the extent of kindness poured out upon our family,” she said. “I’m truly speechless at the generosity of so many individuals. I have seen God’s grace and mercy has shone through all of you.”

Sheriff Matt Clifford said he never personally got to meet Deputy Bolter, but the deputy still made an impact on ACSO and the community.

“But regardless of how well you knew him personally, his impact is undeniable,” Clifford said. “In the time since his death, I’ve grown to know him as a man of honor, respect, and service.”

Deputy Bolter’s former police chief in Pleasant Hill, Calif. spoke of Deputy Bolter’s good nature, willingness to volunteer, and how he was “called” to the work of an officer.

Other speakers included Deputy Bolter’s sister, brothers-in-law, pastors, and a friend. A slideshow played of moments from his life and his favorite Christian hymns were sung.

Abbey Bolter shed tears throughout the ceremony including the times Clifford presented her with a Purple Heart in Deputy Bolter’s honor and with the American flag that draped over his casket during the ceremony.

Near the end of the service, before his casket was escorted out of the building, a final radio call went over the loudspeakers for Deputy Bolter. 

“This is the final call for Deputy Tobin Bolter … “Deputy Bolter, thank you for your dedicated service, we have the watch from here” the voice called.

Dara, Marilyn, Jon and myself stood on the side of the road while the per session rode by. This was the longest per session I have ever seen. It was reported to be 5 miles long. It was sad but wonderful to see all the people along the route. It took over 30 minutes to pass by our location.

A few days before this service my family here got together to help clean up Star. We all met at city hall that Saturday morning. Tobin’s sheriffs car was there. I have a few pics to share.

Of course sister Dara Lopes the rock painter painted a rock that was placed on Officer Tobin’s car. at my Friday morning bible study I learned a bit more about about Tobin and his family. Chris who leads our bible study told me that often times when he needs to go to California for business he stays with the family know them for many years. It is a small world we live in.