A fallen NYPD officer is being mourned in his hometown after his life was cut short by friendly fire on the streets of the Bronx.

Officer Brian Mulkeen served six and a half years in New York City before a violent struggle with an armed suspect led to those deadly shots last weekend.

Friday, in the Village of Monroe, family, friends, leaders and fellow officers all gathered at the Church of the Sacred Heart to say their goodbyes as he was laid to rest.

Mulkeen, with roots in the Hudson Valley, began his career as a dispatcher with the Tuxedo Police Department. He made it known, even then, that his dream was to wear the NYPD uniform.

In that dream, he succeeded. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio praised his legacy at the funeral.

"He asked himself how can I make a difference, and it was clear to Brian that his mission was to protect and serve others, to do something brave, something courageous," said de Blasio.

Called a "gentle giant," Officer Mulkeen was just 33-years-old and leaves behind a girlfriend who also serves with the NYPD.