Funeral Mass held for Uxbridge police officer killed in the line of duty
Many officers pay their respect to Uxbridge officer Stephen LaPorta who lost his life while on duty. (WJAR)
(WJAR) — Hundreds of police officers, friends, and loved ones are gathering right now for the funeral of Uxbridge officer Stephen LaPorta, who was hit and killed by a tractor-trailer while helping a stranded driver earlier this month.
The funeral was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Franklin, and officers from departments throughout the region stood shoulder-to-shoulder outside as LaPorta's loved ones headed inside to mourn the 43-year-old's line of duty death and remember his commitment to the community.
Providence, East Providence and Rhode Island State Police were among the dozens of departments paying their respects
All along the drive from Uxbridge to Saint Mary Catholic Church, it was hard to miss the many signs outside homes and businesses sharing their thoughts and prayers for LaPorta’s family, including in Mendon where his career in public service began as a dispatcher.
During LaPorta's End of Watch call -- a solemn tradition which honors fallen police officers -- he was praised for his unwavering commitment to public safety.
Those who took a moment of their day to come by the church and remember LaPorta said it's a commitment which can sometimes be taken for granted.
NBC 10 spoke with a few people here who gathered outside to pay their respects. They say first responders are out there every day helping their communities, like Officer LaPorta was that night, and it's unsung work that’s important to recognize and remember.
"I think people have to stop and say thank you to the policemen and thank you to the firemen for doing what they do, and I think we take them for granted when they're alive as well as when they've passed on," said Patrick Hughes. "I think that's why we're here."
The moments before the service were particularly striking because of its mournful silence.
LaPorta's wife, Shannon LaPorta, was presented with the U.S. Flag after the funeral. It was LaPorta's dream to be hired as a full-time police officer in Uxbridge, and his life's work will be remembered by friends, family, fellow officers and even those who never had the chance to meet him.
"It's a sad situation, we wanted to come today to pay our respects to him and his family," said Patricia Hughes. "I'm amazed at the turnout we have here, I've never been to a funeral for a police officer here before, and I'm really impressed."
