Thousands of people attend funeral services for fallen Brackenridge chief Justin McIntire

BRACKENRIDGE, Pa. — Hundreds of community members lined up along Freeport Road to pay their respects to fallen police chief Justin McIntire.

PHOTOS: Funeral for fallen Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire

The outpouring of support in Brackenridge was for a man who grew up there before becoming police chief.

“I think it’s an honor to be able to stand here to honor a police officer. It’s such a shame that such a good man had to pass away for all of us to appreciate our police officers,” said Brackenridge Kim Doney.

The procession lasted 45 minutes, with thousands of police officers from across the state. Many mourners held American flags in their hands, hats to their hearts and signs in the air. Dozens of seniors from a local home placed small flags in their wheelchairs, waiting patiently for hours to pay their respects as the procession passed by them.

One little girl held up a handmade sign calling chief McIntire a hero.

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“It’s something I wasn’t hoping for my daughter to see in her lifetime,” said the girl’s dad, Marcus Williams.

Williams grew up with McIntire and played football with his brothers.

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“I grew up with his brothers, it touches home, it’s tough,” Williams said. “I love the support here, cops from everywhere. It’s a big turnout.”

Hundreds of signs and American flags lined the procession route for miles. Students of all ages were in the crowd after Highlands School District closed today to allow for the students and staff to attend.

“My condolences to his family, to all of the police in the area and a big thank you for them to stand and protect us,” said Doney.

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