Memorial Service For Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Bagpipes played as uniformed Fort Lauderdale police officers carried the flag draped casket of Det. Christopher Sheehan into the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Friday.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to say goodbye to Sheehan who was killed in a fiery car crash last weekend while returning home from a hunting trip.

Sgt. Mike Tucker said Sheehan worked one of the riskiest jobs at the department, the Rapid Offender Control Unit, and served with bravery and courage. He was also part of the department's SWAT for the last four years and had recently been selected to be part of the SWAT Waterborne Entry Team.

"He comes from a long line of heroes and being a hero was in his blood and Chris wouldn't have thought twice about doing anything for anybody and putting his life on the line," Tucker said.

Sheehan began his police career with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 2009.

"Chris faithfully and unselfishly served the residents and business in the City of Fort Lauderdale for the last 7 years, touching everyone he came into contact with including his fellow employees," said Ft. Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley in a statement.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, who was among the speakers eulogizing Sheehan, said, "He's gone, but his dedication will serve as a model for other officers."

At the service, Sheehan's family has deep roots in public safety. His brother is a Jacksonville Beach firefighter and both his father and uncle are retired division chiefs for the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department.

Sheehan was weeks away from getting married, and during the service friends read the planned wedding vows from Sheehan's heartbroken fiancée.

"I have waited for this moment all my life and I knew it would be you from the beginning. Love, your bride Amanda Rose," read Katie Peugh.

At the end of the service, the police chief presented the folded American flag to Sheehan's distraught mother and there was a gun salute.

Officer Mike Tucker says Sheehan's police family will be there to help his immediate family through their grief.

"They will be with them every step of the way," said Tucker.

Coral Springs police said no charges have been filed at this point against the driver who hit Sheehan but the investigation is still moving forward.