Thousands Gather For Solemn Salute To Fallen Sheriff's Deputy

READING, Pa. -- Thousands of law enforcement officers and firefighters from far and wide converged on downtown Reading Wednesday for a solemn salute to a fallen hero.

They joined the family and friends of Kyle Pagerly for a memorial service at the Sovereign Center in honor of the fallen Berks County sheriff's deputy's service and sacrifice.

Pagerly, one of the sheriff department's first K9 officers, was shot and killed in the line of duty last Wednesday.

The hearse carrying his remains traveled across the Penn Street bridge and into center city early Wednesday morning, flanked by fellow sheriff's deputies and a motorcycle detail.

When the family arrived at the Sovereign Center, police officers from across Pennsylvania and the country were waiting.

An hour after the doors to the arena opened at 10:00, the line of people waiting to get inside stretched up Penn Street, around the corner and down 8th Street.

Pagerly's family members greeted as many people as they could before the 1:00 service.

Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett, Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley and U.S. Reps. Jim Gerlach and Tim Holden were among those in attendance.

"Deputy Kyle Pagerly ended his watch on June 29, 2011," said Stacia Hylton, director of the U.S. Marshal's Service. "He did so saving many lives that day."

Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht spoke about how last Wednesday started off as an exciting day for the sheriff's department with the creation of an Explorer post.

"Right before Deputy Pagerly went out on what would become his last assignment, he stopped in my office and completed the application with the Boy Scouts of America to be part of the Explorer post," said Weaknecht, who added that Pagerly was always eager to volunteer with the department's various programs.

"I am pleased to say that Deputy Pagerly will always be a part of that Explorer post, and it will now be called the Deputy Pagerly Explorer Post #027, Deputy Pagerly's badge number," Weaknecht said. "Each new explorer will learn of Deputy Pagerly's accomplishments, his lifelong commitment to public service and will be encourage to serve their lives as Kyle did," said Weaknecht. "And if just a small percentage follow in his footsteps, Berks County will benefit greatly.

Slayer, Rob Zombie, Exodus: Hell On Earth Tour | Music Tour Reviews

The Hell On Earth Tour with… Slayer , Rob Zombie , and Exodus

Sovereign Center in Reading, PA presents the Hell On Earth Tour featuring Slayer , Rob Zombie and Exodus. There couldn’t have been a more perfect name for this tour, considering the temperature on this day was well over 100 degrees. Fans gathered hours before arena doors opened embracing the scorching heat with hopes of catching a glimpse of their idols as they made their way to the arena. These lucky fans were rewarded by appearances from band members of both Exodus and Slayer. Upon making my way inside the arena, I noticed the place wasn’t all that big, there was not one bad seat in the house. Fans from all over were in for a treat. Exodus was on first. They opened the night with a thundering presence. Ever since picking up new front man Rob Dukes, the band had a much heavier sound and I was looking forward to hearing some new stuff. They began their set off with “The Ballad of Leonard and Charles”. , a song recognized by all. Zombie had guest appearances from creatures such as Robots, Skeletons, a Mars Rover and other unnamed monsters which really brought out the feel of his horror like style. Displaying such high energy, I was honestly blown away. For a “zombie” he sure felt very alive. Everyone enjoyed their other super hits such as “Dragula” “Living Dead Girl” Rob went into different sections of the crowd flashing his fans with a spotlight as guitarist John 5 mesmerized fans with an incredible guitar solo. They truly put on a performance to remember. After getting off the stage, several chants for Slayer began to break out in different sections of the crowd. Since suffering a hand injury earlier this year, Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman was unable to perform. According to bassist and frontman Tom Araya , Jeff would be returning when he is 100% and any speculations of Jeff leaving the band were false. Exodus axe man Gary Holt would fill in for him on this night. After a long intermission due to the set up of their massive wall of amplifiers, Slayer finally arrived on stage to begin their set.