Photo Slideshow: Funeral for fallen APD Officer

Police departments and sheriff’s offices from Atlanta, Cobb and Gwinnett counties, Decatur, Lilburn and elsewhere heard “Glory, Hallelujah” as they walked into Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in west Atlanta.

The song was fitting as the church’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Sutton, asked the crowd for praise for Halford.

“If you don’t mind since this is to be a home going and a celebration for Officer Richard Halford, can I ask to today give a round of applause for his life and his service,” asked Sutton.

Tributes came from Halford’s fellow officers, Atlanta City Councilors and Mayor Kasim Reed who sought to comfort Halford’s family.

“… and from today going forward I want to you know that not only on today but in the hard days and weeks to come that the city is going to be with you,” said Reed.

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said he many within the department have spent the week remembering Halford.

“One thing I heard was how much he loved flying,” said Turner.

Halford worked for APD for 26 spending 16 of those years with its air unit. Halford was flying the police helicopter when it crashed. The incident has prompted a week’s worth of questions stemming from the decision to put the helicopter in the air at night. During his tribute, APD Sergeant David Tolleson’s gave a matter-of-fact answer.

“Some folks have asked why was he answering a call for a lost child in a helicopter at night,” said Tolleson. “Well, we’re police officers! What are we supposed to do? That’s what we do!”

Initially after the crash, the air unit was not flying. However, Tolleson said that’s not what Halford would have wanted. Tolleson ended with a phrase familiar to the air unit.

“… and until I see you on the other side brother, pull pitch and fly on,”

Mourners will likely hear that phrase again at Officer Smiley’s funeral tomorrow.