IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. -- When Don Wollschleger became the Rochester Police Department chaplain more than five years ago, he could have never predicted one day he would be helping officers deal with the death of one of his own best friends: Officer Daryl Pierson.

“The greatest gift that you can give someone is your time because when you give your time you’re giving them a portion of life that you never get back,” Wollschleger said. “Daryl gave me his time.”

Officer Pierson was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 3, 2014. Wollschleger said he often rode with Pierson and was even there for his final moments.

“He just drew me into him,” Wollschleger said. “He was a quiet man, a courageous man, an honorable man, and we just became fast friends. It’s one of those things that happens, I guess, in friendships. You just become united with someone.”

Now, two years later, he said it still isn’t easy for him or the officers.

“Sometimes it feels like years, sometimes it feels like yesterday,” Wollschleger said about that day.

As a way to remember Pierson and show support for the rest of the police forces in the area, Wollschleger holds an annual memorial mass. On Saturday evening, friends, family, community members, and law enforcement officers attended Trinity Communion Church in Irondequoit.

“It’s something that encourages them that there are people behind them and they’re not just out there by themselves,” Wollschleger said.

Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode agreed.

“It’s good to get together like this in a faith setting and to remember Daryl, remember his co-workers, and his family,” VanBrederode said. “There’s a lifelong scar and emotional scars that came with this that will never go away. They can only get easier to deal with and that’s what today is about, celebrating those good days, celebrate his life, and the thought that he did not die in vain.”

As the service ended, Wollschleger said he will never forget Pierson’s friendship and wants the community to remember the sacrifice he made for them.

“He gave his life selflessly,” Wollschleger said. “He gave his life for this community. He stood between evil and them and unfortunately it took his life.”