BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford was tired, sad, mad and confused on Tuesday night at Hunter’s Creek Sports Park in Star. He was there to speak at a vigil for 27-year-old Deputy Tobin Bolter, who died Sunday after he was shot during a traffic stop.
A detective, Dallas Denney, was injured in a car crash while responding to the shooting. She suffered a broken pelvis and fractured spine. She was honored at the vigil as well.
Boise police killed the 65-year-old man, Dennis Mulqueen, suspected of shooting Bolter.
Clifford stood on the grass, while a giant American flag waved above a yellow-and-blue-streaked sky. Even half an hour before the scheduled start time, hundreds waited for the vigil to begin. Since Bolter’s death, the sheriff’s office has been focused on planning his funeral and getting benefits set up for his wife, Abbey.
“He was very much a person of faith. He was a happy guy,” Clifford told the Idaho Press before the ceremony. “He loved being in law enforcement. ... He had already gained a reputation as a very hard worker. ... He smiled all the time.”
Members of the community gather for a candlelight vigil honoring fallen Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy Tobin Bolter at Hunter’s Creek Park in Star, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Clifford’s also been thinking of a more permanent memorial, like one similar to the road named for Boise Police Officer Mark Stall, who died in the line of duty in late 1990s — the Boise Police station sits on North Mark Stall Place. But those discussions will ultimately come later, Clifford said. For now, it was time for the vigil to begin.
A tall metal flagpole stretched into the darkening sky, its flag hanging down at half staff. Gov. Brad Little had ordered on Sunday that U.S. and Idaho flags be flown at half-staff to honor Bolter until the day after his memorial service. The city of Boise ordered the same for its flags — part of a valley-wide outpouring of support.
Groups with Iron Warriors or Police Unity Tour jackets assembled in the crowd. Some people pushed baby strollers. Some took photos. One man wore a Bolter shirt emblazoned with the deputy’s “end of watch,” which marks the date an officer is killed in the line of duty.
The red lights of a fire truck illuminated the crowd’s silhouettes as Star Mayor Trevor Chadwick recalled the “tragic” events of this past weekend. There are lots of retired law enforcement here in Star, Chadwick said.
“We love them,” Chadwick said. “This is an amazing turnout. This shows you what Star is all about.”
Participants hold candles in the darkness during a candlelight vigil honoring fallen Ada County Sheriff's Deputy Tobin Bolter at Hunter’s Creek Park in Star, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Star Police Chief Zach Hessing, the appointed liaison to Bolter’s family, said the outpouring of love and support had been unreal. Star contracts with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office for its police services.
Star residents come together in hard times, Hessing said. And this is one of the hardest times for the sheriff’s office, he added. Bolter is the first Ada County Sheriff’s Office deputy to be killed in the line of duty. Bolter trained in Star when he moved to the Sheriff’s Office, a Star spokesperson said.
Hessing got the “nightmare” call on Saturday. He’s spent the last few days getting to know Bolter through his family.
Bolter grew up in the Bay Area of California. He and his currently-pregnant wife, Abbey, met in the eighth grade and became best friends, Hessing said. But Abbey wasn’t allowed to date until after high school. During their senior year, Bolter got dressed up, went to her house and presented Abbey’s father with a six-page document explaining why they should be able to date, Hessing said.
The two weren’t allowed to get married until Bolter had a full-time job, Hessing said, so Bolter got his bachelor’s degree in two-and-a-half years. “Wow!” one woman in the crowd said.
Members of law enforcement join the public during a candlelight vigil honoring fallen Ada County Sheriff's Deputy Tobin Bolter at Hunter’s Creek Park in Star, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
“He was a protector, provider and very compassionate,” Hessing said. Bolter had many favorite Bible verses, but Hessing chose one in particular to read. “I fought a good fight. I finished my course. I’ve kept the faith.”
The family will forever be part of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Hessing said. In a statement, Bolter’s family said his life was a reflection of God’s grace and that he was a selfless man of conviction.
“Tobin sacrificially loved his wife, Abbey. As a peace officer, Tobin was able to faithfully serve and protect his community because his foundation was deeply rooted in the hope of the gospel; he lived without fear,” his family said. “Tobin’s vivacious spirit and selfless care for others were an encouragement to all who knew him. The Bolter family would like to thank the community for their support during this difficult time.”
As the sky darkened, the yellow and blue candles sitting in the grass glowed brighter. The stars started coming out. A vehicle whirred past on a nearby road. Children sat on the ground holding candles, one shielding the flame from the air with a small hand. The crowd bowed their heads in silence.
Guitar strumming slowly filled the void, getting louder and louder.
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford speaks during a candlelight vigil honoring fallen Ada County Sheriff's Deputy Tobin Bolter at Hunter’s Creek Park in Star, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
“I can only imagine what my eyes would see when your face is before me,” a singer crooned. Some sang along, swaying and holding tight to candles. Then the singer launched into “Amazing Grace,” joined by a stronger contingent from the audience, their voices echoing softly along.
At the end, a speaker called for people to raise their candles into the air. In an instant, dozens of lights stretched above the crowd. A semicircle of illumination thrust up, the full moon shining above.
Debbie Leedom, a Star resident and retired nurse, said she was there because local law enforcement had supported her and her husband, Robert, when he had cancer.
“You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Debbie Leedom said. “So you pray for the blue.”
And behind the vigil, a portrait of Tobin Bolter smiled on, flowers laid by its feet.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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