FLOWOOD, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Bagpipes play a song of remembrance for fallen police officer Mike Walter as his casket is put in the hearse at Pinelake Church in Flowood.
"It's a thin blue line that stands between order and chaos," said an emotional Pearl Police Chief Ben Schuler to a group of reporters before the service.
However, that same blue line stood strong Saturday afternoon to honor their fallen comrade.
Family and friends listened to the service where five people spoke about Walter.
It's the start of healing, but the scars run deep for everyone who knew the former professional baseball player and three year officer of the Pearl Police Department.
"My sergeant asked me the other day, he said 'Chief what could we have done differently? We did everything they teach us to do to be safe.' You know, the only thing I could do is say bad things happen. This is a broken world where bad things happen. It's not perfect," recalls Schuler.
"God has shown himself to this family over the last three or four days. God has shown himself through people and departments, and they have presented themselves as angels right here on Earth and the family is very appreciative," said Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers.
Officers from across the state and region attended the service.
The honor guard stood watch as the hearse carried Walter to his final post.
The strong bond law enforcement and other emergency responders have for one another was obvious.
"You just have to experience it, just everybody is so close and so tight and work so good together. The guys that work on shift together, we're together a third of our lives," said Flowood Fire Department Battalion Chief Johnnie Roland.
Folks stopped along Highway 25 to pay their respects. Some even shut down their business to say goodbye to Walter.
"They jeopardize their life everyday to protect us, and people don't understand that. They think they're out there doing wrong but the police officers are doing their job," said Manager and Wrecker Operator for Pearl Automotive Billy Whittington.
"I was a police officer in Louisiana. So, I've worked this job. I know what it's like and I feel for the family," said now Brandon resident Kathy Russell.
A fundraiser for the Walter family will be held Sunday in the Pearl Park from 1 - 5 P.M.
There is also a fund for the family at any Regions Bank branch.
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