A solemn procession on Monday made its way into Rochester's Blue Cross Arena, as hundreds of officers from a variety of law enforcement agencies gathered both inside and outside that venue to remember 54 year-old Anthony Mazurkiewicz.
The police officer was shot to death in Rochester last month as he and another officer sat in an unmarked police car following up on a homicide investigation. His partner, Sino Seng is still recovering from injuries at home.
Several family members spoke at the Monday services including one of the officer’s daughters, Brooks Balcer. She said for her, the worst part is her three little girls lost a grandfather.
"I know that he would have made them better people by being in their lives longer, because he certainly made all of us better,” Balcer said.
Mike Mazzeo, who heads up the police union, and the Locust Club, was among many who have talked about the sense of duty Mazurkiewicz showed during his 29-year career with the Rochester Police Department.
"A hero that would never admit that he was one. If you were to yell, 'hey, hero' into a crowd, he would be the last to turn around,” Mazzeo said.
A number of officers, friends and family, noted that Mazurkiewicz could have retired several years ago, but chose to continue his work in the RPD’s Tactical Unit, despite the risks that job entails.
Mazurkiewicz was the first Rochester officer killed in the line of duty since 2014.