GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The streets of downtown Greensboro were quiet as the community gathered for the memorial of Officer Michael Horan, who was killed on duty two days before Christmas.  “It just hit home anytime that I lose one,” said retired police officer Bobby Blakley. Greensboro police officer killed in shooting at Food Lion on Lawndale Drive He worked at Greensboro Police Department for 18 years, and, while he didn’t know Officer Horan, tears still filled his eyes as he rest his hand on the patrol car, paying his respect.  “I pray for his family, especially for his kids, waking up this morning without a dad,” he said. Blakley knows this grief all too well.  “Lost a good friend of mine when I was with the police department, Porter Robertson. I was on duty that night when he lost his life. It’s sad, especially this time of the year, that this young man lost his life,” said Blakley. Cynthia Burts, a mother of two police officers, has so much empathy for his family. Longtime friend remembers fallen Greensboro Officer Michael Horan “It’s scary. It’s the thought that you wouldn’t want to see that for anyone. Something to go through your mind every day. I feel sorry for this officer, his family, friends, colleagues,” said Burts. Between family gatherings, people from the community stopped just for a moment to honor and respect an officer who died protecting his community. “But something like this, I can’t see how somebody would even try to do something like this especially to an officer,” said Greensboro resident Terry Evans. Even on this Christmas Day, person after person stood in front of the car for a moment of silence.