Remembering Fallen Officer Tim Abernethy

Courtney Zubowski / 11 News
HOUSTON -- Prosecutors have charged 28-year-old Mabry Landor with capital murder for allegedly shooting and killing Officer Tim Abernethy on Sunday. Landor will be in court on Tuesday, but tonight, friends and family are remembering the fallen officer.

Officer Tim Abernethy had been with the Houston Police Department for 11 years. To some, Abernethy was known as a police officer. To others, he was a son, a father and a husband.
"We called him Timbo," said Officer Lance Gibson, from the Houston Police Department.
Abernethy was a fun-loving and dedicated colleague.
"It's going to hurt this department. It's something that I'll never forget," said Gibson.
Officer Lance Gibson spent the last nine years working with Abernethy.
"It was tough, and it still hasn't hit me. I wanted to see him because I did not believe it. He was a close friend and we were together all week. The last time I had seen him was Friday," said Gibson.

On Friday, Gibson said Abernethy was happy and laughing at their division Christmas party.
"We were joking like we usually do and everything was normal. We were talking about what we were going to do the following week," said Gibson.
But instead of laughter, so far this week, has been filled with tears.
“When we got the word yesterday, it was like a part of you was missing. Tim will be missed," said Sgt. Leo Boutte, Houston Police Department.
Sergeant Leo Boutte was Abernethy’s supervisor. He said he was a hard worker and dedicated to his job.
"He was out there working a hot spot location, which is a place where there were crime problems. He was there to address it. The people lost someone who was out there fighting for them," said Boutte.
Boutte also said Abernethy was a family man and proud of it.
"His family was his number one thing. He was always talking about his family. He was proud of his son in the Navy, and real proud of his daughter who is an A&M graduate," said Boutte.
He was also proud of what he did as a police officer. He was a man his colleagues said you wanted to follow because you always knew Tim Abernethy would steer you in the right direction.
A vigil for the fallen officer is planned for Tuesday night at 6:30 outside the Luxor Apartments.
Officer Abernethy's family, fellow officers and friends will lay him to rest friday morning at 11:00. The service will be held at the Champion Forest Baptist Church on Stuebner-Airline Road.
The funeral will be open to the public.

I was planning on writing something myself but this article actually is pretty good. This hits home to a lot of us who knew him or knew of him. He will be remembered as the good Officer that he is. Present tense on purpose. He maybe patrolling HEAVEN's beat but he will be with each and everyone of us.

This tragic and senseless end could be anyone of us at anytime. Remember that while you are sitting at the intersections, transit centers or answering that boring emergency alarm. Be prepared for the unexpected and always be alert and have a plan.