Скачать или смотреть In Memory of Officer Daryl R. Pierson

Daryl Pierson's final journey, from his moving funeral at the Blue Cross Arena to White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, was given witness Wednesday by hundreds of well-wishers who lined Fairport and Marsh roads and stood sentry on the bridges over I-490 as his hearse passed by.

"We just want to be here when they bring him home," said Patty Perotti, an East Rochester resident like Pierson.

The 32-year-old was shot and killed Sept. 3 on Hudson Avenue, the first Rochester police officer killed in the line of duty since 1959. He will be buried Wednesday afternoon in a private ceremony at White Haven after one of the most memorable public funerals in recent Rochester history.

Speaking through pain and tears to more than a thousand attendees, Pierson's family, partners and bosses from the Rochester Police Department delivered a remarkable set of eulogies.

Several perspectives emerged on the man: dedicated cop, loving father, stolen vehicle savant, protector of the innocent, rotten driver.

Officer Rich Ortiz, his partner for three years, spoke through continuous tears. Sgt. Steven Kennedy and chaplain Don Wollschleger described their presence at his deathbed. Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli called him "our blue angel" and promised his wife and two young children that they'd gained the entire department as a permanent extended family.

Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, the former Rochester police chief, cast Pierson's death as a contrast between two men's life choices during his eulogy for the fallen officer.

Article By Democrat & Chronical