Touching Tribute For Officer Killed In Florida Keys Crash
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A caravan made up of law enforcement and first responders transported the body of a fellow officer killed in a horrific crash to a funeral home Tuesday.
It was a touching tribute for Delray Beach Police Officer Christine Braswell. Her fellow officers traveled to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's office to solemnly claim her body.
From there, Braswell's body was taken to a funeral home in Lake Worth to be prepared to be laid to rest.
Dozens of Delray Beach officers along with several other agencies rode alongside the caravan to show their support.
Investigators say Braswell, 40, was riding a scooter with another fellow officer when they were struck by a car in Key West on Saturday.
The crash killed Braswell and left the other officer, Bernenda Marc, injured.
As of Tuesday morning, Marc remained at Jackson Memorial South. CBS12 reports she is alert and talking at the hospital. She is expected to remain in the hospital for at least several more days.
Braswell, who was a member of the SWAT team, was with the police department for more than a decade. A SWAT team also joined in during Tuesday's procession.
At Delray police headquarters, officers hugged, wept, and remembered their fallen friend and colleague.
"She was dedicated to not just her job but to making sure that other law-enforcement officers did their jobs well. She trained them, she trained them with her whole heart and soul," said Ofc. Nicole Guerrero, her voice choking with emotion.
"She was my partner downtown, and she was an amazing person," said Ofc. Rachel Vanness. "She had the kindest heart, and yet you always knew she had your back, and if you ever got in trouble she was right there with you," Vanness said.
Braswell's car was adorned with flowers and cards from the community, showing their support.
Her family has scheduled a memorial for her on April 22nd. Funeral arrangements for Braswell are pending.
