PHOENIX — A small funeral for Phoenix Police Commander Greg Carnicle was held Tuesday morning.
Tuesday's funeral began at 10 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Phoenix. Only close family attended the service, but a procession to the church was met by some community members along the streets and an American flag arch by fire and law enforcement officials.
A moment of silence and memorial are taking place for Commander Carnicle Tuesday. Watch live in the player below.
Phoenix Police Department said "a larger community memorial service to pay proper tribute to Commander Carnicle and his 31 years of service to Phoenix will happen once restrictions on large gatherings are lifted."
Last week, officers gathered across Phoenix dressed in blue, wearing the mourning band on their badge and standing in silence.
“To pay tribute to a man we call hero, friend, father, son, grandfather and all-around decent guy,” said Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams.
Commander Carnicle’s body was draped in the American flag as he was escorted to a funeral home.
Police say Commander Carnicle, 56, was a 31-year veteran of the force and was just months away from retiring. He was married with a wife and four adult children.
According to the department, "Commander Carnicle was very well liked among his fellow officers. He was known for his dry sense of humor and his direct, yet caring style."
During his career, he held positions throughout the department, including the special assignments unit and K9 unit. He chose to work out in the field and help his fellow officers, working nights and weekend to oversee patrol operations.
Sgt. Fortune said Carnicle "loved being a police officer." She said, "he wanted to be leading the operations for patrol…he really wanted to do that job.”
Phoenix police Chief Jeri Williams said, "we lost a true hero."
