ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Law enforcement officials and first responders crowded into the Blue Cross Arena for the funeral service of Rochester Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz. It was service that lasted more than two and half hours.

Mazurkiewicz’s family, friends and colleagues eulogized the man they miss and love dearly.

What You Need To Know

  • Funeral services were held for RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz on Monday 

  • Mazurkiewicz was shot and killed on July 21

  • All four of Mazurkiewicz's adult children were among the dozen people eulogizing the fallen officer

  • Law enforcement officials from across New York state and from several other states attended

The officer was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 21.

The moving service was highlighted with eulogies from Mazurkiewicz’s four adult children.

Monday's services helped the community get to know the man behind the badge.

“My mom lost her husband, my siblings and I lost our father and my three little girls lost a papa," said Mazurkiewicz’s daughter, Brooks Balcer.

“My father was a model of excellence to me," Mazurkiewicz’s son, Bradley Jamison, said. "He represented what it was to be a great person and a great man. I'll forever have him in my heart and make sure that each day I will make him proud."

"My dad has been called a hero since being killed on the 21st,” Bryce Mazurkiewicz said of her father. “But he's always been a hero to my mom, to my sibling and myself. He's always gone above and beyond for not only us, but for all of you in the city of Rochester."

Their father spent much of his career at the RPD on the tactical unit. His commanding officer also offered words during the funeral.

"Tactical unit members are disciplined and brave professionals," said Rochester Police Captain Raymond Dearcop. "Maz was just that. They make up the Rochester Police Department's Honor Guard, the very officers who are leading today's service for our fallen brother."

Rochester Police Chief David Smith offered words of comfort to the family and the department, and also thanked the community for supporting the Rochester Police Department.

“If on behalf of the entire Rochester Police Department, I didn't express my gratitude to this community who has stood by us through this terrible tragedy, your prayers, your support, your compassion, have truly sustained us this past week in our time of need," Smith said.

About a dozen people spoke, with some calling for change with the hope Officer Mazurkiewicz did not die in vain.

"I’d like to finish this with a challenge to the city, our elected officials to allow Tony's death and all the grieving in this room to be the catalyst to make changes and apply the necessary resources to ensure this doesn't happen again," Mazurkiewicz's son, Brent Mazurkiewicz, said. "And to make for damn sure something good comes from this."

"There isn't a clear-cut way to describe my dad," Bryce said. "It was just an honor and a privilege to even know and be raised by him. The stories and the lessons, the memories I've gained from being blessed with him as a father go far beyond what I can share with you today. I've never imagined a world where he doesn't get to see me graduate college, start my dream job at Strong or walk me down the aisle. I really can't fathom that this is our reality. He deserved more time and we all deserve more time with him. He was and forever will be the best dad husband and Papa. Thank you all for being here.”

In attendance at the funeral was Officer Sino Seng, who received a standing ovation. The eight-year veteran of the department was with Mazurkiewicz when they were both shot on July 21 on Bauman Street.

Seng was hit in the lower body and is recovering.

"Officer Seng, while being shot three times, pulled Officer Maz out of the active line of fire,” Dearcop said. “Courageously then officer Seng then returned fire. Officer Seng, your heroic actions likely prevented further injuries from officers and citizens at the scene. You sir are a hero.”

The injured officer was seen visiting the PSB where Mazurkiewicz's casket was being held before the funeral.

Following the funeral service, there was a procession to Mazurkiewicz's final resting place.

Mazurkiewicz's casket was taken down I-490 to White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford.

The graveside services were private.

"It has been said policing is a noble profession of selfless service,” said Dearcop. “Maz did it for 29 years and no one did it better. Take care of each other, as Officer Maz took care of us."

The loss of Mazurkiewicz marked the second death from the RPD tactical unit in eight years.