Family, friends gather to say farewell to fallen Pembroke Pines police officer Charles Herring
FORT LAUDERDALE - Family, friends and colleagues of Pembroke Pines Police Department Officer Charles Herring gathered Monday to pay their final respects to the fallen officer.
During a ceremony that lasted slightly more than two hours at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, dozens of mourners attended the public service.
The veteran 54-year-old motorcycle officer died in the line of duty on Feb. 9 while riding his motorcycle.
Herring was struck by a falling palm frond on NW 184th Avenue, just south of Sheridan Street, which caused him to lose control and crash.
He was rushed for treatment to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he later died.
Officials said Herring had been with Pembroke Pines police for over 20 years and was the father of four children.
Herring is the first officer to die in the line of duty at the Pembroke Pines Police Department.
Law enforcement officers from different departments in South Florida gathered to attend their fallen colleague, saluting his coffin as it was ushered inside the building for a sendoff fitting for someone who dedicated their life to community service.
It was also an emotional day for Herring's relatives as they said goodbye.
"He was so much more than a cop," his son said. "He was my hero."
"I have to take comfort that his mission was complete," said former wife Sylvia. "And he was needed in Heaven."
She thanked the community for its support.
She said Charles Herring loved working with the community, and was heartened when he met the littlest of possibly future law enforcement officers who wanted to serve some day.
"He always loved when little kids approached him," Sylvia said. "And looked at him as the hero he was."
Herring served in the U.S. Army before putting on the badge in South Florida.
He earned numerous awards during his career, including being named Pembroke Pines Officer of the Year in 2015.
"He was an incredible person," Chief Kipp Shimpeno said. "A police officer and my friend."
The stories that were shared during his memorial painted a picture of an officer with a giving spirit and a devoted family man.
"He helped me and loved me and became my hero right then," said Julie Dykeman, his sister. "Carried me on your shoulders around town and made me part of your team."
Shortly after the ceremony, everyone gathered outside for the final farewell with a gun salute and full honors.
And one of his dear friends shared some of Herring's favorite sayings.
"I love you, brother," he said. "You're good people."
