 "Photo:")
 "Photo:")
 "Photo:")
A sea of blue uniforms filled St. Helen's Catholic Church in Georgetown on Thursday morning for a funeral for Austin Police officer Amy Donovan, who was accidentally killed on duty last weekend.
"In 35 years (of service) there's been great sadness," said APD Chief Stan Knee. "I can't tell you why, but this one's been more difficult."
Donovan became the 19th officer and first woman killed in the history of the APD on Saturday night when her partner, Adrian Valdovino, accidentally hit her with their patrol car. Donovan was chasing a suspect on foot in East Austin when the accident occurred. She died early on Sunday at Brackenridge Hospital.
The church was packed to its 750 person-capacity with family members, close friends and fellow APD officers. Hundreds of additional officers, fire department members, emergency medical teams and supporters - some coming from as far as Houston and Dallas - flooded onto the front lawn of the church where they listened to the service through speakers.
"I would say she was fearless," Knee said. "She was in pursuit of a man much larger than her, and she did not hesitate one moment. She just did her duty in fearless determination, and we're going to miss her."
The 37-year-old mother of four joined the department after graduating from the 109th cadet class last June. Donovan's husband, Terry, spoke at the services and shared memories of his wife. He described the first time he saw her as "love at first sight."
"Thirteen years of Amy wasn't enough," Donovan said emotionally.
Donovan said he supported her when she decided to become an officer, although people sometimes asked him why he let his wife become a cop.
"I would laugh and say, 'I hear they can vote now, too,'" Donovan said.
He said his wife was strong and full of determination. She became a mother at age 16, which forced her to quit school and work three jobs to support her son, but she went on to attain her general education diploma.
"She could have become a statistic," Donovan said. "But her will and drive made her successful."
The funeral was followed by services at the Cook-Walden cemetery in North Austin. A procession of police cars, motorcycles and Capital Metro buses carrying APD officers, followed by friends and supporters, shut down the 13-mile stretch of Interstate 35 between the church and cemetery. Traffic was backed up for miles on the northbound and southbound lanes, where entrance ramps were blocked by officials. Some drivers left their cars unattended to join police and firefighters in saluting the fallen officer as the procession drove by, some waving American flags.
"It was an emotional uplift for every officer in the procession," Knee said. "It reaffirms we are appreciated, and we realize we are not alone... that the community suffers with us."
A procession of officers playing bagpipes escorted the casket, and a 21-gun salute was performed at the temporary grave site. One of the most touching moments for officers was when Donovan's badge was retired and officers called in one last dispatch for her. Each night when an officer signs off, they must first radio in.
"That last radio call is one of the most difficult," said Sheriff Margot Frasier. "You realize it will never go on again."
Donovan's partner, Valdovino, was among the close family and friends inside the church, by request of Donovan's husband. Knee said the department is supporting Valdovino.
Knee said that for the next couple of days, many officers will probably think about their lives and realize they are vulnerable.
"Maybe we'll hold our wives closer," he said, "hug our kids harder and go to church a little more."
Be the first to comment on this article!