Hundreds if not thousands of people gathered in Hartford Thursday to attend the funeral service to honor fallen Connecticut State Police Sergeant Brian Mohl Thursday morning.
Family, friends and colleagues celebrated the life of Sgt. Mohl in a service held at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford that was filled with laughter, beautiful tributes and singing.
Law enforcement officers from across the northeast and across the country, from as far away as Texas and New Mexico, attended.
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"The world lost an amazing human, not just an amazing trooper," Sgt. Corey Craft, of Connecticut state police, said.
Those who knew and loved Mohl told stories of his sense of humor and his big heart.
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Mohl’s sisters said their brother only wanted to be a police officer growing up. Two of Mohl’s brothers also went into law enforcement, for New York State Police.
The sisters told stories of a sibling who was bold, honest and funny.
"He somehow had a way of making everyone feel special - even with insults. Now that's a gift," Laura Mohl-Singh said.
"To know Brian is to know sacrifice. Brian gave up countless hours to serve not only his community but also his family," Singh said.
At the end of the funeral, Mohl's final radio call played out across the theater-
Connecticut state police vowed to honor Mohl and carry on his mission.
Sgt. Mohl served with the Connecticut State Police for more than 26 years.
Colonel Stavros Mellekas, of the Connecticut State Police, said Sgt. Mohl was a loving son, brother, spouse, uncle, neighbor, friend and state trooper and he was well respected.
"Your devotion to courage, strength and duty will never be forgotten," Mellekas said.
Mohl is survived by his wife, three children, siblings and his parents-
Flags have been flying at half-staff statewide as a mark of respect for Sergeant Mohl and won't return to full-staff until sunset this evening.