Officer Eric Talley did not have a traditional path into law enforcement.

More than 10 years ago, Talley had a career in information technology that provided for his wife and seven children. But then one day, his commanding officer said Tuesday, he felt a calling to protect those around him in Boulder. He ultimately gave his life doing so. 

“He’s everything that policing deserves and needs,” said Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold, while holding back tears at a Tuesday morning press conference. “He cared about this community, he cared about (the) Boulder Police Department, he cared about his family. He was willing to die to protect others.”

Talley, 51, was among the 10 people killed in a shooting at King Soopers in south Boulder on Monday afternoon. He was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene at 3600 Table Mesa Drive, Herold said.

Boulder shooting: Police say 10 dead after gunman opened fire in King Soopers

On Tuesday, his patrol vehicle sat outside Boulder police headquarters and quickly became a memorial, where residents and college students alike came to honor the fallen officer with flowers and cards, while many fought back tears. 

“I had the opportunity to work with Officer Talley a lot, with the community and with the Hill and (with) really strengthening those relationships,” Molly Frommelt, a senior at CU Boulder and student body president, told The Denver Gazette. “He really cared about students.”

Herold described his actions as “heroic.”

Talley’s father, Homer, told 9News that he was a father of seven, with the eldest being 20. He was working to become a drone operator because he thought it was safer.

“Didn’t surprise me he was the first one there,” Homer Talley told the station.

Homer Talley told The New York Times that his son was born in Houston and raised in Albuquerque, where he graduated from Highland High School in 1988.

“Officer Talley could have done anything he wanted with his life, and he chose to serve and protect,” Scott Elder, the superintendent for the Albuquerque Public Schools, said in a statement. “In our sadness and grief, I hope we can remember the example Officer Talley leaves us all. We won’t forget Officer Talley put others before himself, was dedicated to public service, and by all accounts loved his family deeply.”

Talley was the sixth Boulder officer killed in the line of duty. The last was Officer Beth Haynes in 1994, when she responded to a domestic disturbance call.

Talley was described as a person of character with a strong Catholic faith. He regularly stopped at St. Marin De Porres, which is right across the street from the King Soopers.

“My prayers and those of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver are with the Talley Family and all who have died,” Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila said in a media release. 

Although Herold said she was “feeling numb” during a Tuesday morning press conference, she recalled Talley and his entire family being in her office just two weeks ago. 

“He taught CPR and one of his sons swallowed a quarter,” Herold said, and described how his other son was able to save the little boy’s life. “(We) gave (his) son an award for life saving.”

Garnett, Boulder delegation release statement about King Soopers shooting

A procession led by several metro-area law enforcement agencies led Talley’s body away from the scene of the attack Monday night.

Several hours later, Talley’s sister, Kirstin, wrote on Twitter that she was heartbroken after learning her older brother was dead. 

Officer Eric Talley is my big brother. He died today in the Boulder shooting. My heart is broken. I cannot explain how beautiful he was and what a devastating loss this is to so many. Fly high my sweet brother. You always wanted to be a pilot (damn color blindness). Soar. pic.twitter.com/tgt2DxPsqz

— Kirstin (@Roozersmom) March 23, 2021

“I cannot explain how beautiful he was and what a devastating loss this is to so many,” she wrote on Twitter. “Fly high my sweet brother.”