Wake held for Officer Steve Arkell

BRENTWOOD, NH (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A wake was held Tuesday in New Hampshire for fallen police officer Steve Arkell.

A wake was held for first responders from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Exeter High School gymnasium. hundreds of law enforcement and public safety officers lined up to pay their respects.

"Well Officer Arkell and his family were very tight-knit with the community, both in Brentwood and here in Exeter. He was a coach here at the school. His family is very connected in this area. There's been a huge outpouring of support for him and his family and Brentwood PD," one officer said.

Another officer said the loss was like a hole in his heart that could never be filled.

An outdoor memorial service will be held Wednesday at William Ball Stadium on the high school's campus.

Officer Arkell was shot and killed last Monday while responding to a domestic incident in Brentwood that ended in a massive explosion. Investigators say propane gas fueled the house fire, where the accused gunman was found dead.

Neighbors called police to report that 47-year-old Michael Nolan was arguing with his 86-year-old father, Walter. When Officer Arkell entered the home, he was gunned down by Michael Nolan, officials said. Police say Nolan shot and killed Arkell from the second floor and then set several fires on the first and second floors.

A second officer responded to the 911 call and was forced out of the home by gunshots. Minutes later, the house burst into flames.

Investigators say gas pipes in the basement riddled with bullet holes caused the massive explosion.

Police found six guns in the home and have questioned the accused gunman's father, but authorities say he has little memory of what happened due to his age.

Cox Media Group