SUMTER COUNTY, Ga. — Family and friends said goodbye to one of two Georgia police officers killed in the line of duty.
Americus police officer Nicholas Smarr and Georgia Southwestern State University officer Jody Smith died responding to a domestic call Wednesday.
Investigators say the suspect Minquell Lembrick died from a self-inflicted wound.
Smarr's funeral was at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Southwestern State University Storm Dome.
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Hundreds of people lined the streets to pay their respects as Smarr's body was taken to the cemetery by horse-drawn caisson.
"I was lucky to live two door down from the officers for a few years. Just super great guys. They weren't just cops. They were great guys," Americus resident Rusty Sears said.
Tremendous show of support from local law enforcement for slain Americus Police Officer Nicholas Smarr. @wsbtv #americusstrong pic.twitter.com/qba02BXuvL
— Carl Willis (@CarlWillisTV) December 11, 2016
The two police officers were best friends. Relatives said they supported each other until the end. They said a mortally-wounded Smarr tried to give Smith CPR with his last breaths.
"It really speaks to who they truly were. They were always there for each other, always helping each other out. They truly had each other's backs," Americus resident Nathan Evans said.
The Americus police chief said the fallen officers’ brides-to-be are in their thoughts.
“We are their family and they are our family and it won't be just through these next few weeks, it won't be when the funeral's over, they belong to us for the rest of their lives,” Chief Mark Scott said.
Smith's funeral plans are pending.
Cox Media Group
