HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — His patrol car sits outside the Hendersonville Police Department covered in flowers, each bouquet and hand written sign serving as a testament to the kind of man Officer Spencer Bristol was.
The 31-year-old was hit and killed following a foot chase and pursuit Monday night. He leaves behind a wife, a young daughter and a heartbroken community.
"We lost one of the brightest young officers on our police force. He loved being an officer," said Andy Gilley who works for city of Hendersonville.
As a temporary memorial for Officer Bristol grew on Wednesday, an outpouring of support also grew for a permanent memorial to be named in honor of the fallen officer.
By Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of city residents had written into the Park Department asking for Officer Bristol's name to be considered in the naming of a new parkwhich will soon be opened off Indian Lake Boulevard. While the process is in its infancy stages, Gilley, who is the Parks Manager, says the suggestion alone serves as a testament to the kind of man Officer Bristol was.
"I hope his family knows that this city greatly respects the sacrifice their son, husband and father gave trying to protect our city," Gilley said.
READ MORE: Donation fund created for Bristol family
Funeral arrangements for Officer Bristol were also announced on Wednesday. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 6 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.
Officer Bristol's funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, a two hour visitation will take place before the funeral. Law enforcement officials wishing to attend are asked to bring a small bottle of toy soap blowing bubbles. The bubbles will be used to honor and comfort Officer Bristol's young daughter.
