By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Eric Talley

MUNCIE — Ball State University representatives offered condolences after one of its graduates was identified as the police officer who was among those killed in a Boulder, Colo., grocery store shooting.

Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley was the first officer to respond to the shooting at King Soopers supermarket on Monday, March 22.

He was one of 10 people gunned down by the assailant who was later taken into custody.

Talley earned two degrees from BSU and graduated in 2004. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s in information computer science.

On Twitter, Indiana Senator Mike Braun commended Officer Talley for “running bravely toward the sound of gunfire and giving his life to save others.”

“We mourn Officer Talley and all those who lost their lives in this senseless tragedy,” said Braun.

Ball State University also issued a statement on Talley’s passing.

“We mourn the death of Eric Talley, the Boulder police officer who was murdered,” read a tweet from Ball State’s page. “Officer Talley, who earned two degrees from Ball State, was a hero who died saving the lives of other people. Today, we honor Officer Talley and his family, friends and fellow officers.”

The university’s Center for Information and Communication Sciences said that Talley is rightfully being called a hero.

“We echo that completely and mourn this tragic loss deeply,” read a post on BSU’s CICS Facebook page. “Our hearts ache for those who he left behind.”

While living in the Muncie area, Talley was also a volunteer instructor through Ball Memorial Hospital’s Wellness Center.

“He spent time working with community members of all ages and made a positive impact while donating his time,” stated a Facebook post on IU Health Ball, Blackford & Jay’s page. “He is still remembered fondly today by those he came in contact with and will be missed. Our hearts ache for his friends and family, and our thoughts are with all of you.”

Ball State’s computer science department called Talley a “great hero who will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community.”