The funeral for murdered San Antonio Police Officer Miguel Moreno today packed the Community Bible Church, and was also a full throated call for support for law enforcement, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"What kind of job requires a person to wear body armor at the start of their work day," Chief William McManus said in his eulogy. "What kind of job requires someone to be careful where they eat, because someone may drop something in their food, because they don't like cops."
Moreno was murdered and his partner, Officer Julio Cavazos was badly wounded, when a gunman opened fire on them for no reason as they were investigating car burglaries in a neighborhood just north of downtown. Officer Cavazos was at the funeral.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg pointed out that citcimstances of the death of Officer Moreno.
"32 years old. Sixth in his class. Nine years on the police force. Two officers doing their job. One pointless shooting," he said. "His death feels like an equation that doesn't add up."
Gov. Greg Abbott also gave remarks at the service, and also pointed out the senseless killing of police officers. He said he was planning to be in Dallas today, to honor five officers killed there one year ago.
"Today is a day of sad and perplexing irony," the governor said. "I was planning to spend the day in Dallas, celebrating the lives of the officers who were killed on this day last July."
And he added, "It is time to end the attacks on law enforcement officers. It is time for Texans to unite in support of those who risk their lives to keep our communites safe."
And the governor spoke directly to the family of Officer Moreno.
"To answer the call of duty, no matter where, no matter when. To wilingly place yourself between the dangers that threaten and the people you service. That is a high calling only the best can answer. Officer Moreno was and forever will be the very best."
But the most dramatic part of the service came when Officer Moreno's brother Arturo, who is also a San Antonio Police Officer, spoke about his brother.
"Today my family misses him deeply, and will miss him every day that passes," he said. "He will be missed by his classmates, by Central B shift, his friends, and many other people he met in his lifetime. I will never forget my brother. The city will never forget him and his beautiful smile, which was unforgettable."