Fort Worth police officer Garrett Hull, who was shot and killed in a shootout with robbery suspects last week, was laid to rest Friday.
Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald retired Hull's badge number and promoted him, posthumously, to corporal.
The chief spoke directly to Hull's widow.
"We can never replace Garrett, but Sabrina, let me tell you 2,200 of us will die trying," he said. "I don't think there's one guy or person in here who will ever turn you down for anything you need, ever."
Fellow officer Chad Mills who worked in the same unit said Hull was his best friend.
"I love you Garrett Hull. Keep the streets of heaven safe as we keep your family safe here," Mills said.
Following a memorial service at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, a procession carried Hull to Greenwood Cemetery where he was to be laid to rest in a private, graveside ceremony for family.
Hull, a 17-year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department, died Friday of a gunshot wound to the head during a shootout with a group of robbery suspects outside a Fort Worth sports bar.
On and off rain delayed the procession from Christ Chapel Bible Church to Greenwood Cemetery.
Citizens lined the way and finally the rain cleared.
Many waved American flags and saluted as police officers from across Texas, and beyond, drove by.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"I just wanted to show my support for the police," said Paul Braymen of Cleburne. "I know they have a tough job and they don't seem to get a lot of respect these days and it drives me nuts."
"Just wanted to come out and honor this man who gave his life for our city," a woman said.
The procession arrived at Greenwood Cemetery where firefighters offered their own salute. A large American flag hung from two ladder trucks as the casket passed by.
TJ Ragster is a longtime member of the Fort Worth Police Department's Clergy and Police Alliance and has seen how this loss has rocked the department.
"It's taken a toll on a lot of officers. To see the men and the women that serve our communities break down in tears…that's a hard one," Ragster said. "That's a hard pill to swallow. But, I believe they will bounce back real strong from it."
Ragster said the community will rally around the officers to help in the healing process.
"I believe we'll get through this and when I say we, I do mean the police department, the community — the city as a whole. We'll get through this tragic time together," Ragster said. "That's the main reason that I come out here. To let them know ‘you do have a community that stands behind you and supports you.'"
Donations benefiting Hull's family may be made ONLINE or by check to Tarrant County Blue, P.O. Box 1659, Fort Worth, Texas 76101.
