LAKEWOOD — More than two hours before the funeral procession for slain Officer Christopher Matlosz, people lined the sidewalks along Clifton Avenue blocks from the St. Mary's By the Lake Church where the Mass was being held. An American flag more than 20 feet long flutter in the gentle breeze above the street, suspended between the out stretched ladders...
LAKEWOOD — More than two hours before the funeral procession for slain Officer Christopher Matlosz, people lined the sidewalks along Clifton Avenue blocks from the St. Mary's By the Lake Church where the Mass was being held.
An American flag more than 20 feet long flutter in the gentle breeze above the street, suspended between the out stretched ladders of two Lakewood firetrucks stationed on either side of the road.
In the background, the heralds of bagpipes echoed from the police honor corps assembled along the route.
Hundreds of police officers from across New Jersey and other states waited outside the church while less than three miles away, more than a dozen police motorcycles lined Route 9 in front the Lakewood Funeral Home where family and friends paid their last respects to the 27-year-old officer who was shot and killed Friday while on a routine patrol duty.
At intersections around the church, members of the Ocean County SWAT unit stood in helmets and protective vest, armed with rifles as security for the procession.
Previous coverage:
• Man accused of fatally shooting Christopher Matlosz is charged in second slaying
• 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