Final farewell: Wayne State police Sgt Collin Rose laid to rest
(WJBK) -
A final farewell today to slain Wayne State University police officer Collin Rose.
The 29-year-old was gunned down while on patrol near campus last week.
For the second time this year St. Joan of Arc church in St Clair Shores served as the venue for an officer killed in the line of duty. Hundreds of police cars lined the street as part of an outpouring of emotion for the fallen Wayne State police officer.
"You look out and see all this," said Randy Gutierrez, a community member. "It's amazing, heartwarming; it's tragic all at the same time."
"We are trained to be ready for everything except losing one of our own," said Wayne State Chief
Sgt. Rose was shot in the head off campus while investigating recent car break-ins. The magnitude of the loss and the way this officer lost his life led to a plea for peace from the presider of the funeral mass.
"We have to do something to stop the violence. All too often we talk about it - and I think we need to do a better job of making it happen," said Rev. Msgr. G. Michael Bugarin.
"I want the public to know the dangers that our heroes are facing," Police Chief James Craig said.
By all accounts Sgt. Rose was a peacemaker following his passion to protect and serve.
"Collin loved to smile," said Bugarin. "And it is amazing to hear the stories over and over again how this young man did so much good for so many people."
In high school he decided to become a police officer and was able to couple it with his love for animals by becoming a canine handler for his department. One of his two dogs also in attendance among dozens of other canine handlers.
"He loved his dogs," said Bugarin. "I found it absolutely fascinating watching the news yesterday (his dog) Wolverine was having a hard a hard time coming into Ford Field and didn't want to approach the casket."
His family is not grieving alone, those in attendance today making sure that they know that.
"We will never make up for his loss but make sure his legacy lives on. The university has established an endowed scholarship in Collin's name," said WSU President M. Roy Wilson.