Note: Funeral services for Officer Eduardo Marmolejo can be watched live above beginning around 10:30 a.m.
Family, friends, and Chicago residents bid an emotional goodbye to one of two police officers killed in the line of duty earlier this week.
On Saturday, funeral services were held for Officer Eduardo Marmolejo at St. Rita of Cascia church. Family, friends, and dignitaries spoke at the emotional ceremony, honoring the life of a man who died in the line of duty earlier this week.
"We mourn with you, we hurt with you, and we cry with you, but also know this: we'll begin healing with you," Superintendent Eddie Johnson said. "You're not alone. You will not be along this Christmas, next Christmas, or the Christmas after that. You've gained an entire department of guardian angels."
Marmolejo was described as a humble man who made it a point to be at all of his children's sporting events and dances, and as a man who was willing to do whatever it took to support his family, including learning to braid his daughters' hair when their mother was at work.
"Humble people are giants in this world, and he certainly was one," Johnson said.
Tearful Farewell to Fallen Officer Eduardo Marmolejo
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Marmolejo leaves behind a wife and three daughters, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke of his devotion to that family in his remarks.
"He wanted to be someone his children could look up to," an emotional Emanuel said. "I didn't know him personally. I wish I did. I know the legacy that he will leave behind, and his memory has the power to light up our city."
Marmolejo was killed on Monday evening while responding to a call of shots fired on the city's South Side. He and his partner Conrad Gary were on the Metra tracks when a passing train struck both officers.
His good friend and fellow Officer Andres Lizarzaburo described their time together at academy, drawing laughter from the crowd with tales of their exploits, but he closed his tribute to his good friend with an emotional sentiment that many in the room could relate to.
"I still wake up hoping to see a Snapchat or a text message from you," he said. "My mind knows you’re gone, but my heart wants you to still be here.
Members of his family also spoke, including his daughter Rebeca and his cousin Jasmin Diaz.
"You were the glue that held our family together," she said. "We will keep your memory alive by loving each other. We ask that you hold your people close and tell them that you love them."
On Friday afternoon, hundreds lined up at a suburban funeral home for Marmolejo's wake, calling him a selfless man that always put friends and family first.
“He was always happy, very caring,” friend Karen Frutos said. “He’s a family man. He was all about his family and friends.”
In the days since the incident, 24-year-old Edward Brown has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm after he allegedly fired a gun into the air, sparking the search.
“Especially on the holidays its really rough, because it’s supposed to be a time of joy right now and right now it’s just a big sadness for everyone,” Marmolejo’s cousin Jocelyn Carmona said.
