EAST HAVEN, Conn. -- Police officers marched to and stood shoulder-to-shoulder inside an East Haven church to honor of New Haven police Officer Dan Picagli.

Picagli was struck by a car last Tuesday while working an extra-duty construction detail. The officer, beloved by children, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. Picagli ran the city's police athletic league and touched the lives of dozens of city children.

Hundreds of men and women in uniform along with family and friends filled and surrounded Our Lady of Pompeii Church in East Haven on Wednesday morning to attend the funeral service.

Officers from near and far flocked to East Haven to honor Picagli.

"Personally it affects everybody. We're all being a big family. We're all an individual family so we always feel a loss," said Shuan McColgan of the Danbury Police Department.

Members of the East Providence police force were in attendance as well. Five years ago one of their officers was killed in a training accident and they said they remember the presence and support of New Haven officers during their loss.

"It's tough. I remember when we buried our own. It's a tough time, but you want to be here with somebody," said Detective Carl Jacobson of East Providence.

Following a 21-gun salute and graveside words, New Haven Police Chief Francisco Ortiz spoke of the fallen member of his force.

"This family and the officers who are closest to this family are just at a loss for words," Ortiz told Eyewitness News. "They are in disbelief. A young man in the prime of his life with so much of his life with so much to offer, a the same time, they affirm that he has accomplished so much. This officer touched the lives of thousands in New Haven."

The service ended by noon and officers began the procession to All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.

"Dan Picagli was everything you could ask for in a police officer, as a father and as a member of this community," New Haven Mayor John DeStefano said.

East Haven and North Branford officers closed down Route 80 to allow for the procession to pass. Black bunting draped the doorway at New Haven police station and flags were at half-staff in honor of Picagli.

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