More than 6,000 officers and authorities came from the across the state, and around country, to pay their respects to fallen Officer Daryl Pierson at the Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday.
Thirty two year old Pierson, a husband and father of 2 young children, was shot and killed in the line of duty one week ago. Lt. Governor Bob Duffy was among the eulogists during the funeral service.
"I have a hard time coming to grips with the fact that Daryl Pierson can go off to a war in Afghanistan and go off and come home and loss his life on the streets of Rochester. There is something horribly, horribly wrong with that picture."
Rochester police chief Michael Ciminelli says a tragedy like this could tear a city apart "but Daryl’s sacrifice has taught us that at this time, in this city and with this police department that this badge and uniform that we wear is not a wall that divides us but a bridge that connects us."
Pierson's wife, Amy, showed bravery and courage during the funeral service for her husband. She says Daryl will always be with her.
"He was the most incredible father that I could have hoped for my children. Neither will lose the investment he's made in them. He was also an incredible husband; he is an incredible husband because he’s with me. He was my rock, and has taken care of me in every way."
Officer Pierson was laid to rest at the White Haven Cemetery in Pittsford.