Hundreds of police officers lined the road and entryway of Saint John's Catholic Church in Beltsville Friday in an outpouring of grief and respect for slain Prince George's County police Sergeant Richard Findley.

Bagpipers and color guards from law enforcement agencies up and down the East Coast paid tribute to the 10-year police veteran and volunteer firefighter who was killed in the line of duty last week.  Police Chief Melvin High posthumously promoted Findley to Sergeant Thursday.

At least a thousand mourners watched as Findley's flag-draped coffin was carried into the church for a Catholic funeral Mass.

"Corporal Findley was what it's all about," said Major Dan Dusseau of the Prince George's County police. "He's the type of person who dedicated his life to helping other people."

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"It is certainly a sad day for the county and all the police officers," said Michelle Stawinski, the wife of a police officer. "Our hearts reach out to all of them."

Findley's widow, Kelly, carried one of the her two young daughters into the church, where they would have to say goodbye to their father.

Outside the service, friends told stories about Findley's sense of humor and selflessness.

"He was a fun loving guy," recalled Suzi Williams. "If you were down he could make you laugh, no matter what."

"He was a wonderful man, a giving man," added Peggy Stawinski.

After the service, Sergeant Findley's casket rode atop a fire truck to the cemetery. The procession traveled through the geography of Findley's long career in public service -- visiting the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for two decades, the community he policed, and neighborhood where he continued to volunteer.

"I worked with him here in Beltsville. He was a great officer. Always positive, always trying to help everybody. No matter who you were, he was the first one there to help you," said Prince George's County police Corporal Rose Wright.

"He was dedicated. He was a hard worker. He was good at what he did. And he gave his life; he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect citizens," Prince George's County police Detective M.J. Mitchell

"It puts everything in perspective," said said fellow firefighter Stan Cell, who was choked up. "Kind of hard to speak right now."