Submitted by letsseeaction t3_y32fa9 in Connecticut
Aside from the simple annoyances of traffic, it's also dangerous: there's an increased risk of accidents, and a hampering of medical transport.
I understand the comraderie among first responders and the desire to "show up" out of respect for one of their own, but I really don't feel like the pomp and circumstance is worth the disturbance and danger it creates to everyone else.
EDIT TO CLARIFY: the processions today have been unplanned, spur-of-the-moment parades of cops and other first responders in their service vehicles (and likely on the clock) following the body from the hospital to the medical examiner's office. It's not a planned procession and it's not part of any formal funeral service. They chose to apparently shut down 84 during morning commute hours to get from Bristol to Farmington. Many similar processions have happened in recent memory.
There are ways for fellow first responders (and the general public) to show respect that are less disruptive, more safe, and equally appreciative.
#EDIT 2: There seems to be very few posting in the middle ground here. Opinions seem to be either "cops are pigs" or "let the cops do whatever the heck they want". I have my own opinion of policing in this country that I have kept out of this tread. I have been respectful of the moment and am simply questioning how much of a show of force and solidarity among first responders is necessary at every single step in the process here. Apparently that makes me a terrible person to a certain subset of the population. It astounds me that so many people here believe that cops are completely above criticism and their 'sacrifices' gives them a blanket license to do whatever they want and impact our lives in whatever ways they deem appropriate. That's not the kind of country or state I care to live in.