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Memorial Service For Fallen Officers

MIAMI (CBS4) - MIAMI (CBS4) – Two Miami-Dade police officers who were killed last week in the line of duty will be laid to rest on Monday.

Family, friends and thousands of fellow police officers from across the state will attend a joint memorial service for Officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami. The service begins at 11 a.m. and it is open to the public.

A number of roads and highways will be temporarily closed to traffic at 9 a.m. for the funeral procession from the Vista Funeral Home in Miami Lakes to the arena.

Click Here For More On Road Closures

Gov. Rick Scott, who ordered all government flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday to honor the officers, is expected to attend the service.

The United States Honor Flag will be on display during the memorial service.

"The Miami-Dade Police Department has been a partner to The Honor Network for many years, and this agency is considered home to the United States Honor Flag," said Tammy Heisler, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Honor Network.

"Any loss to the Miami-Dade Police Department is a deep heartfelt loss to The Honor Network. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Detectives and the Miami-Dade Police Department," she said.

Click Here To See The Program For The Service

A joint viewing for the officers was held Sunday evening.

Lt. Sergio Alvarez, a friend of Castillo, remembers his smiling face.

"His upbeat attitude, he was always joking, he was always laughing, cracking up, making jokes, making people feel good," Alvarez said.

"Look these are individuals who keep us safe, who every single minute of the day that they're out working, they're putting their lives at risk, every stop that they do, every time they knock at the door," said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart who paid his respects to the families.

Commander Nancy Perez somberly looked at two photos of the other detective killed, Amanda Haworth.

"I see a wonderful woman who gave her life for this community," said Commander Nancy Perez as she somberly looked at photos of Haworth and Castillo who were killed in a gunfight last Thursday when they tried to arrest Johnny Simms.

Simms was killed by another officer.

Haworth, 44, a single mother, leaves behind a 13-year-old son. Castillo, 41, whose wife is also a Miami-Dade police officer, is survived by three sons, ages 9 to 15.

If you would like to help, please make donations in lieu of flowers with checks payable to The Dade County PBA Love Fund, with officers Castillo and Haworth names written in the memo section of the check. Donations should be mailed to 10680 NW 25 Street, Miami, FL 33172.

A trust fund has also been established for the officers' families.

Click Here To Make A Donation

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