Hundreds of police officers from across

New York

State assembled to pay tribute to Officer Thomas Lindsey Wednesday morning.  The sounds of drums could be heard in the distance as a signature of a full funeral for police officers and military.  The services were marked with respect and remembrance for a man who always served his country and community. 

The bagpipe and drum contingent led the procession towards Our Lady of Lourdes Church in

Utica where the Funeral Mass took place.  Our Lady of Lourdes Church was also the site for calling hours for Officer Lindsey on Monday and Tuesday.

Mayor Tim Julian and Police Captain C. Allen Pylman led the contingent into the church and stood at attention as members of the Utica Police Department filed into the church.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Department, the NYS Police and NYS Correctional Officers also had large details attending the service this morning, as well as representatives from the Utica Fire Department, Oneida Indian Nation Police, NYS Park Police, Oneida County District Attorney's office.  The altar was decorated with scrolls signed by police from across the state who had attended the calling hours for Officer Lindsey.

Officers who filed past the casket in the church at the start of Mass exited the church after they passed by.  They stood at attention outside the church for the duration of the services and joined the procession to

Calvary

Cemetery at the conclusion.

The mass was celebrated by Father Joseph Salerno, who is also the Utica Police department Chaplain.  The first 2 readings were presented by Officer Ed Noonan of the Utica Police Department and Utica Police Officer Kerry Carville.  

The eulogy was presented by Utica Police Chief C. Allen Pylman. Pylman's words were marked by remembrances of the cheerful, friendly nature of Thomas Lindsey, as well as his honorable service as a policeman.  He said Thomas Lindsey was the "kind of man who makes you proud to be a cop".  Pylman characterized Lindsey as "the kind of kid you'd want to marry your daughter...the kind of kid you'd want to defend your country...as a police chief, the kind of kid you'd want to hire." 

Pylman relayed the generous nature that even prompted Lindsey to give out his personal cell phone number to people who needed him.  Pylman recalled that Lindsey chose the Utica Police department instead of the NY State troopers and had exclaimed to Pylman "I love this job."   Pylman could only hope that Lindsey had heard his reply, "We love having you too."

The eulogy was followed by remarks from Bishop James Moynihan.  Moynihan commended Thomas Lindsey as "generous to a fault...generous as martyrs are generous".

The Mass concluded with a procession and motorcade ended at Calvary Cemetery where Officer Thomas Lindsey will be buried with full military and police honors.