WOW, went to the funeral

**148** · 08-23-04 06:29 PM

dont want to bring anyone down. but as most of you know we lost an officer last week. the funeral was today. i went until i had to leave to cover district for other officers to attend.
heart wrenching, and touching are the only two ways to describe it. i am here watching the live coverage when i should be taking runs but the air is silent. the dispatcher went all channels and announced " Charles 421 is now 10-42" (which means off duty here) it was nearly impossible not to cry. it is estimated that there were a thoushand people there.. hundreds and hundreds of police officers from all over the midwest and across the country. i was told there were officers from Canda here but i could not confirm that. the line of police cars was well over 12 miles long. red and blues going to honor a fallen HERO. his seven year old daughter was present but still doesnt understand. his best friend a fellow officer said they were to leave for vacation today, he tried to hold back his tears but you could hear and see it. the sound of the bag pipes, the horse with the boots turned backwards, the honor gaurd standing at attention and marching in perfect tune with eachother. the line of police cars went by his roll call where hundreds of citizens stood to pay there respects. i dont think i have ever been so moved by anything EVER! and i have never been more sure that what i am doing makes a difference. although i had only seen Jake in passing he has impacted my life. he payed the ultimate price doing his job, something that we may have to do one day. if anyone on here is in the honor guard, you have my utmost respect. what you do touches us all so much, it is a lasting thing that reminds us that we are mortal but also that we share a brotherhood like no other.
we as police officers are the finest people in the world, i have never been more proud to put on this uniform and go out and do my job. although there are feelings of grief, the feeling of pride has taken over.
you all are the greatest men and women in the world. take a moment when you begin your tour to remeber those who have fallen and another moment of pride in yourself and your partners.

**ChainSa** · 08-23-04 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by tony burrello

dont want to bring anyone down. but as most of you know we lost an officer last week. the funeral was today. i went until i had to leave to cover district for other officers to attend.
heart wrenching, and touching are the only two ways to describe it. i am here watching the live coverage when i should be taking runs but the air is silent. the dispatcher went all channels and announced " Charles 421 is now 10-42" (which means off duty here) it was nearly impossible not to cry. it is estimated that there were a thoushand people there.. hundreds and hundreds of police officers from all over the midwest and across the country. i was told there were officers from Canda here but i could not confirm that. the line of police cars was well over 12 miles long. red and blues going to honor a fallen HERO. his seven year old daughter was present but still doesnt understand. his best friend a fellow officer said they were to leave for vacation today, he tried to hold back his tears but you could hear and see it. the sound of the bag pipes, the horse with the boots turned backwards, the honor gaurd standing at attention and marching in perfect tune with eachother. the line of police cars went by his roll call where hundreds of citizens stood to pay there respects. i dont think i have ever been so moved by anything EVER! and i have never been more sure that what i am doing makes a difference. although i had only seen Jake in passing he has impacted my life. he payed the ultimate price doing his job, something that we may have to do one day. if anyone on here is in the honor guard, you have my utmost respect. what you do touches us all so much, it is a lasting thing that reminds us that we are mortal but also that we share a brotherhood like no other.
we as police officers are the finest people in the world, i have never been more proud to put on this uniform and go out and do my job. although there are feelings of grief, the feeling of pride has taken over.
you all are the greatest men and women in the world. take a moment when you begin your tour to remeber those who have fallen and another moment of pride in yourself and your partners.

Beautiful Tony. I swear I will never forget those who have gone before me.

Keep your chin up.

**greenlead** · 08-23-04 06:52 PM

I hope I never have to go to one, but I have a feeling I will. :(

**michiganstud** · 08-23-04 06:55 PM

just reading that makes me tear up.

**acreature** · 08-23-04 06:57 PM

There is an indescribable feeling of sadness going to any LEO funeral. But the feeling of Brotherhood is beyond compare. I hate attending, but I love it also. It shows just how much of a family we really are.

**christrue** · 08-23-04 07:08 PM

'Heart wrenching'

**mcsap** · 08-23-04 07:35 PM

A guy who went through the academy with me in 1986 was shot and killed during an armed robbery in his small town. ( 1994) At that time , a lot of the smaller departments didn't issue vests and had he had one on, he would be here today. The funeral was QUITE a sight to see. I havn't been to another though, it is hard to take.

**Rad Diver** · 08-23-04 07:36 PM

As you said it is heart wrenching, I went through it with my brother-in-law.

The way the law enforcement community comes together when it's one of our own show's the amount of respect we have for one another.

**PPD_EXP** · 08-23-04 07:57 PM

I also Just got back from my first LEO funeral (the Broward County Detective FL). It was an experience I don't think I will ever forget. Acreature you hit it right on the nail the feeling of Brotherhood I felt even as an explorer was beyond anything ive ever felt before.

**MORA Ranger** · 08-23-04 08:09 PM

On my second day of work as a police officer I was at a funeral for Alaska State Trooper Hans Roelle. It wasn't as big as the one you went to, Tony, but it was big for us in AK. There was a whole group of RCMP and just seeing them there showing their support made me get all teary. And watching all those big, tough troopers break down... It was in November of 2001 and as we were all driving through Anchorage with our lights going and the fire department blocking off the intersections for us and standing there with their hands on their hearts there was this guy with a sign. A lot of the public had come out to stand and salute or put their hands over their hearts or to hold up signs of support. The one sign I won't forget said, "Not all heros live in New York."

**Whitewolf1970** · 08-23-04 08:14 PM

Heart wretching but beautiful reading.... I'm sorry Tony this happened. Keep your chin up and remember him always for he's part of each in you.

Jynkxxie · 08-23-04 08:20 PM

Just beautiful Tony. I will never forget the first funeral I went to...Nothing can describe it better than just that...Wow!

**Mike Romeo** · 08-23-04 08:25 PM

I bet that was a wonderful, though sorrowful, experience. Wish I could've been there to witness it with you. There is nothing like attending a funeral for a warrior, and he will be remembered with honor. Our prayers are with the family and the rest of your officers that will continue the watch.

**andytelford** · 08-23-04 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by michiganstud

just reading that makes me tear up.

I agree jay, it hit me too. I hope this will be the last one for awhile, but somehow I have a hunch it won't be.

FOR GODS SAKE, LETS BE EXTRA, EXTRA carefull !

**Group9** · 08-23-04 09:12 PM

I agree that attending always makes me proud and sad at the same time. It does make you realize a good bit of what "The Brotherhood" is; loyalty, service, selflessness, friendship and most important of all, family.

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