Honolulu Police officer Garret Davis was memorialized Tuesday in an emotional service. Several hundred people said aloha to the fallen officer who was killed in the line of duty last month.
A Hawaiian kahu and a gentle rain greeted those who arrived early for the memorial service. One by one, police officers solemnly approached the Vineyard Maunakea Chapel to say aloha to one of their own, one of Honolulu's finest.
"Davis was one of those role model recruits that every training staff prays for," said Sgt. James Slayter, who helped train Davis as a young police recruit. "He was hard working, self-motivated. Just positive energy completely compassionate."
But it wasn't only officers. Strangers who didn't know Officer Garret Davis but were moved by his decision to serve were also here to pay their respects and to say thank-you.
"I just have him on my mind and whenever I have someone on my mind I just pray for them and I just felt like I needed to come," said community member Viola Lara.
Officer Davis was killed on January 21st after his squad car was hit by a truck on the H-1 Freeway. Davis had pulled over to assist two people in a stalled car, another decision to serve and protect.
"We talked about him and his work in the district, He was with us for about two-and-a-half years and he saves three lives," said Maj. Moana Heu who served as Davis' commander in Wahiawa.
"It's not doubt that he save lives that night," added Slayter.
Showers briefly broke in Honolulu as law enforcement members and other agencies lined Maunakea Street for a pass and review.
"Sometimes the officer don't always know each other but they said he always said hi to anybody whether he knew you or not," said Heu. "Every time an officer is killed we always think you know that could have been us."
He was a son to Rhonda Kay Davis, a brother to Amanda Stevens and a father to Mackenzie Rose. At the age of 28, the proud member of the department's 161st recruit class had already made an impact on his new home. Members of his recruiting class were the last to make their way into the chapel.
"This is every day service and sometimes the result drives home to us the message that we can never take it for granted," said Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
A powerful image and moving send-off for a young officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while fulfilling a childhood dream.
"He wanted to be a police officer and he really loved part of our department," said Heu.
A final salute to officer Davis will be held on Wednesday at the main station on Beretania Street. The funeral motorcade will leave Borthwick Mortuary at 12:45 p.m. and arrive at HPD at 1 p.m. where there will be a 21 gun salute, the playing of taps, and a flower drop from the police helicopter. Drivers can expect rolling lane closures along this route.
