Law enforcement agencies from far and wide, as well as hundreds of members of the public, paid their final respects and said their last goodbyes to Corporal Eugene Cole as the funeral procession from Skowhegan led to a celebration of life service in Bangor.
Cpl. Cole was shot and killed in the line of duty on April 25. He was 61 years old.
The New York Police Department's motorcycle unit led the procession, which began at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan, and ended and the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for a celebration of life service. Chaplain Kevin Brooks from the Somerset County Sheriff's Office oversaw the service.
PHOTOS | Day of remembrance for Cpl. Eugene Cole
PHOTOS | Day of remembrance for Cpl. Eugene Cole
Photos: Honoring Corporal Eugene Cole
Inside the Cross Insurance Arena, 3,600 people filled the seats for the service that began at noon as Cpl. Cole's body was carried and placed in front of his cruiser. Cpl. Cole's son, David Cole, offered an emotional goodbye to his father.
"I told my mom my dad died. I watched the strongest woman I know break ... grief turned into reality ... Rest easy dad. We got the watch from here," he said.
Sheriff Dale Lancaster also offered remarks.
After the services, thousands of officers and Mainers gathered outside for a graveside ceremony, where a flag was presented to Cpl. Cole's family. A final flyover also honored the fallen deputy.