Video: Starkville Residents Pay Respect To Fallen Officer Tate

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Both of the slain Hattiesburg Police officers who were killed in the line of duty last weekend have been laid to rest.
Officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate were both fatally shot while responding to a traffic stop.
Officer Tate grew up in Starkville and today was escorted back to his hometown to be buried.

It was a somber day in Starkville as community residents lined the streets to pay their final respects to fallen Hattiesburg Police Officer Liquori Tate. Many of these residents didn’t know Officer Tate but they say they were happy to come pay their final respects.

“He was a citizen of Starkville High School and we all went to school at Starkville High School, we want to come out and support,” said Lataja Bush.

Hundreds of Starkville residents lined the streets of Highway 12 to give Officer Tate a true hero’s send off.

“We as a Starkville, MSU community, we consider ourselves family. So when one of us dies in such a heroic way and at such a young age, we all come out to support,” said Simone Cottrell.

Officer Tate was escorted by Hattiesburg Police, along with a number of other law enforcement agencies from across the state to be laid to rest.

Despite the rainfall, residents stood, waving American flags, to pay their respects to Officer Tate.

“We are Starkville, Mississippi and he’s from Starkville, so we just want to show love and support to his family from home and let them know that we do care and send our condolences,” said Latijah Beckum.

“He joined the force to protect others lives and in doing that,” added Bush.

One family that came out says they hope to set an example for their children by respecting law enforcement.

“Children learn from watching others and when you respect the law enforcement and they see it, they’re the ones that’s protecting us and for us to come out here, it’s a privilege to stand in the rain and show them how much we care about them,” said David Cheatham.

No matter what brought these supporters to the streets, one thing is sure, Officer Tate will leave a lasting legacy in their lives.

Following the processional, Officer Tate was buried at Fox Cemetery.