Thousands of officers line streets for slain NYC sergeant

MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (AP) - Thousands of police officers from across the nation paid tribute Thursday to a New York City police sergeant who was killed during a gunfight last week.

Throngs of officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder for nearly a mile as hearse carrying the body Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo arrived for his Long Island funeral. The 19-year veteran officer was killed last Friday in the Bronx.

Tuozzolo's wife Lisa and their two young sons, Austin and Joseph, walked alongside the flag-draped casket; fellow officers served as pallbearers. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Police Commissioner William Bratton also were among those who attended the service.

De Blasio, a Democrat, said Tuozzolo was a hero who "gave his life protecting his fellow officers, protecting all of us. He laid down his life for his friends."

Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins said Tuozzolo was a "warrior" who lived for his job and his family. The 41-year-old officer would have been eligible to retire next year. 

He was the fifth New York City police officer to be fatally shot in the line of duty in the last two years.

Blue ribbons were tied to trees and lampposts near the St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa; businesses hung signs and photos of Tuozzolo with messages of condolences for his family. A police helicopter hovered over the church as snipers stood watch on nearby rooftops.

The encounter that took Tuozzolo's life unfolded after the gunman, Manuel Rosales, had broken into his estranged wife's home. Rosales, of Brentwood, stayed for hours before fleeing. He also was killed in the gunfire.