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Final Farewell: Fallen Americus officer laid to rest

Americus Police Officer Nicholas Smarr was laid to rest Sunday afternoon at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Americus Police Officer Nicholas Smarr was laid to rest Sunday afternoon at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Our Madison Cavalchire was there and says hundreds, maybe even thousands, showed up to honor Smarr's life of service.

“Regardless of where you're at, we are all guardians of the community,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley. “When there is an officer who has fallen in the line of duty, we all come to show our respects, because that's what brothers and sisters in arms do.”

Law enforcement from almost every city and county in Georgia were in attendance – from Albany to Holly Springs and Griffin.

Brothers and sisters in blue from across the country came too all to pay their respects to Officer Smarr and his family and friends.

“[In] Griffin, we lost an officer in the line of duty two years ago, so this hits close to home for us,” said Chief Michael Yates.

For others, a fallen officer's funeral is all too familiar.

“Nick and Jodi were the 136 and 137 police officers killed in the line of duty in the United States this year. It's not acceptable,” said Rob Butler with the Patriot Guard Riders.

It’s the ultimate sacrifice that will never be forgotten.

“Please know that we stand with you in your grief and they will always be honored as true American heroes,” said Butler.

Hundreds of people also lined Tripp Street in Americus as the funeral procession made its way to Oak Grove Cemetery.

Governor Nathan Deal ordered flags at the state capitol to fly at half-staff until sunset Sunday in honor and memory of Officer Smarr.

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