Posted 3:01 am Tuesday, July 03, 2012
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1,000-Plus Remember Instructor At Memorial Service
By AMY TATUM
KYTX CBS19
KILGORE -- Men and women in East Texas law enforcement said goodbye Monday to a man who helped many of them begin their careers.
Police academy instructor Les Ferguson died last week in a motorcycle crash.
Ferguson served as an instructor at the East Texas Police Academy since 1990. Monday's memorial service was at Kilgore College. Those who attended say it was filled with stories and memories from the officers Ferguson once taught.
More than 1,000 of East Texas' finest came to pay their respects to Ferguson's family.
The day began with a procession through Main Street in Kilgore. The memorial service and rifle volley was at Kilgore College.
Those who attended the service said Ferguson will forever be remembered for the effect he had on law enforcement in East Texas.
"The law enforcement community lost a great instructor and a comrade," Johnny Zackary of the Longview Fire Department said.
Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said Ferguson gave 35 plus years in law enforcement and trained many officers.
"He was a friend of mine for 30 years," Stoudt said. "Les did a lot for the community. He was a great family man and great Christian."
The crash that killed Ferguson remains under investigation. DPS troopers say it appears another vehicle veered into Ferguson's lane.
That driver wasn't hurt in the crash.
Troopers haven't determined who was at fault for the crash -- and so far no citations or charges have been filed. DPS investigators say Ferguson was wearing his helmet.
