MIAMI – The Miami Police Department held a memorial Wednesday morning for an officer who was allegedly killed at the hands of his girlfriend last year.
"Carl served his church, Carl served his country, Carl served his community and today we honor that life of service," Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes said.
Carl Patrick was found shot to death at his home in Pembroke Pines last May. His girlfriend, Tiniko Thompson, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder almost three weeks later.
"We're here not just to celebrate him as an officer, but to celebrate him as a gentleman," Major Dennis Jackson II said.
"He touched everybody," Leonard Kelly of the Miami Police Department's North District said. "He was a nice person. He was a warm spirit and everybody connected with him."
There was a moving sense of camaraderie as dozens of Patrick's fellow officers and members of the north district substation A-shift presented his mother with a plaque bearing his name.
"He was a blessing," Patick's mother, Lucielle Patrick, said. "He has left a legacy. I love each one of you and I'm proud of this department."
Patrick spent 25 years with the department, serving as a patrol officer and a dedicated member of the honor guard.
When he was not with the honor guard, he patrolled the streets of Liberty City and Little Haiti.
Thompson has remained in jail since her arrest. Her trial is expected to begin Oct. 19.
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