It was a day of honor Saturday for a Balcones Heights police officer as people gathered to say their final goodbyes to Officer Julian Pesina.
Pesina was shot and killed Sunday night by two masked gunmen as he left the northwest side tattoo shop he co-owns.
The funeral procession stretched for miles as sirens, flashing lights and fellow brothers in blue led the hearse carrying Pesina to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Family, friends, fellow law enforcement officials and even former teachers were in attendance to pay their respects.
"Julian was one of those students that, he had his rough spots, but he turned himself totally around. He was a good person at heart," said Christine Sollers, Pesina's former high school teacher.
Family and friends carried the casket inside the church, some still finding it hard to believe that Pesina is gone.
"I just couldn't understand how anybody could hate Julian that much. There's just no way. He was an awesome person," said Sollers.
Balcones Heights Police Chief Henry Dominguez said the turnout was a testament to Pesina.
"It's been emotional for us. Like I said, we are having to heal as well, we're hurting. The law enforcement community lost a brother and we're doing all we can to honor him and respect him," said Dominguez.
Police are searching for the men responsible for Pesina's death.
He leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter.