At Lindsey's gravesite, a toast to Tommy

The hills of Calvary Cemetery late Thursday were illuminated by flashing police lights.

Cars lined the winding road that leads to Utica police Officer Thomas Lindsey's grave.

In the final hour of the first day of spring, close to 100 people gathered in the windswept cemetery after Wesley Molina-Cirino was found guilty of shooting Lindsey to death last April.

Lindsey's patrol car 57 shined its lights on the crowd that gathered around Lindsey's burial site.

Less than one year ago in this same place, Utica police placed their white gloves on top of Lindsey's casket as the slain officer was laid to his final resting place.

But Thursday night, the crowd didn't come in mourning.

"I wouldn't call it a celebration," Utica police Investigator Jack Sitts said, "but a show of support for Tom."

They whooped and hollered. They hugged and cried. They raised beer bottles and cans in homage to their fallen officer.

"On this day we have closure," one man yelled loudly as the crowd fell quiet. "Though, we will never forget our brother, an old street cop, our loved one. Now, may he rest in peace. To Tommy."

Some officers laid their hands on Lindsey's car. Soon, with snow blowing over the scene, a trail of vehicles exited the cemetery.

The last vehicle to leave was patrol car 57.

Observer-Dispatch