Some 10,000 police officers, from departments as far away as Canada and the Bahamas, were present at the ceremony Watch video
LAKEWOOD — The funeral for Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz began shortly after noon today.
Drum corps began outside at 11:50 a.m., and four minutes later mourners rose as they awaited the arrival of the casket. Church bells sounded, as bagpipes and helicopters circling overhead could be heard through the church walls.
Gov. Chris Christie entered with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno at 12:05 p.m. At 12:12 p.m. the casket was led in, trailed by family who wept and held hands. The casket is draped with a cream-colored cover, with a maroon cross on it. Centered atop the casket is Matlosz's police cap.
Shortly after, the service began as the cantor sang a rendition of "Be Not Afraid." Most Rev. David Michael O'Connell, bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, is the Mass' celebrant.
Some 10,000 police officers, from departments as far away as Canada and the Bahamas, were present at the ceremony, according to a spokesman from the Lakewood police department. They overflowed the FirstEnergy Park, stadium of the minor league Lakewood BlueClaws, he said.
Security at the funeral, which is being held at St. Mary of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, is extremely tight. State Police swept the church following an earlier Mass, before mourners are allowed in for the noon funeral.
Christie will be the final speaker during today's funeral. Remembrances will be offered by Matlosz's fiancee, Kelly Walsifer; readings will be performed by her sister Kristien Walsifer, and Matlosz's friends Dennis Dowden and Christopher Whalen.
Inside the church, the Matlosz family will fill the first five rows of pews on the left side. Located behind them will be members of the Lakewood police department. On the right side, five rows are reserved for state and local officials.
Inside a Mass booklet, a photo of Matlosz and Walsifer adorns the final page, which reads:
"Chris was a devoted son, brother, and soul mate to fiancee Kelly and a proud member of the Lakewood Police Department. He was a man who enjoyed life and had the gift of laughter to share with fellow officers and friends.
"Chris' life, though short in years, was rich in service to family and community. His presence touched the lives of everyone he met. The world is better because he was here.
"Our faith community prays that Chris' family will find comfort in the love and support of their friends as they entrust him to the tender embrace of God."
Heavy traffic delays and street closures are expected throughout the downtown Lakewood area through 3 p.m. today. Road closures are also expected in the area of New Hampshire Avenue, Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue between 2 and 4 p.m.
According to a statement by Lakewood authorities, township court sessions are canceled today. Anyone who has a scheduled court date will be contacted by the court for a new date.
Matlosz, 27, was killed in the line of duty on Friday afternoon in Lakewood after being shot three times while sitting inside his patrol car during a routine stop.
His accused killer, Jahmell W. Crockam, 19, was arrested Sunday morning after a nearly 40-hour manhunt across three states. He made his first court appearance Tuesday and remains in custody in lieu of $5 million bail.
Previous coverage:
• Hundreds of police officers attend wake for slain Lakewood Police Officer Christopher Matlosz
• Mother of slain Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz clings to memories of her son, copes with loss
• Man accused in slaying of Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz appears in court
• Colleagues, family and friends honor fallen Lakewood police officer with candlelight vigil
• Tips from the public led to suspect's arrest in slaying of Lakewood police officer
• Fiancee of slain Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz speaks out
• Jahmell Crockam is charged with fatally shooting Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz
• Lakewood deputy chief says police officer Chris Matlosz was 'assassinated' as search for killer continues