Funeral for Philadelphia Officer brings mourners from along the East Coast

The Philadelphia Police Department is laying one of its own to rest today, a highway patrol officer who was killed by someone driving the wrong way on I-95.  

An empty motorcycle with only a pair of boots pointing backward was one of many tributes to  motorcycle cop Brian Lorenzo.  

Andy Pocoroba of the highway patrol says Lorenzo was a model officer.

“He actually did his job right to the end, he sacrificed his life for the person that was behind him.  This person is going southbound in the northbound lanes, it’s only a matter of time before he’s going to make contact with somebody,” said Pocoroba.  “Unfortunately Brian was that guy.”

Pennsylvania State Trooper Ethan Brownback says Lorenzo is one of many to give his life to protect others.

“You never know what can happen out there it’s a scary occupation at times, it can be a very dangerous occupation, and you need to always be on your guard,” said Brownback.

Hundreds of officers from up and down the East Coast came to Philadelphia to pay tribute, including Sgt. Leonardo Baily of the Baltimore City Police Department.  He says his department sent a four person honor guard because when one officer falls, every officer mourns.”Because we are all one police department no matter from Philly Baltimore New York, if something bad happens we want to show our support to the family, because we are all one team,” said Baily.