Buffalo —Hundreds of law enforcement officials, civilians and spectators lined several blocks of Delaware Avenue this morning to say a final goodbye to Buffalo Police Officer Patricia A. Parete.
An Erie County Sheriff’s helicopter flew overhead accompanying the hearse carrying her body on its journey to Trinity Episcopal Church on Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo.
Buffalo firefighters flew a huge American flag across Delaware Avenue at Tupper Street.
The church was filled to standing-room capacity as Law enforcement and emergency response personel from through out Western New York joined Officer Parete's family and friend in a moving farewell service.
Trinity’s pastor Rev. Cam Miller offered comfort by saying “We’re here to give thanks for Patty’s life and to thank God for giving us Patty,”
Officer Parete and her patrol partner, Officer Carl E. Andolina were shot after responding to a fight call at a mini-mart in downtown Buffalo in December of 2006.
Parete died at her Niagara County residence on Saturday, February 3, 2013. Parete was 48 years old.
Patty Parete is believed to be the first officer in the United States serving as an openly lgbt person to have been shot and subsequently die in the line of duty.
—Staff
