4,000 at funeral for slain Detroit officer

5/9/2010

DETROIT - In a funeral that evoked moments of grief, outrage, and resolve, Detroit's mayor, police chief, and a friend of an officer shot to death in the line of duty urged the city to stand up to crime.

About 4,000 people - including hundreds of police officers from departments across Michigan and Canada - gathered Saturday at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit to remember 12-year veteran Brian Huff.

Officer Huff was slain and four other officers were wounded while responding early Monday morning to a "shots fired" complaint at a vacant duplex on Detroit's northeast side.

"It's time for us to take our city back," said Officer Anthony Jackson, who worked with Officer Huff.

Hundreds of officers wearing dress uniforms filled the church foyer and lined up outside before the funeral.

Inside Greater Grace, Mayor Dave Bing, members of his administration, Chief Warren Evans, and officers greeted Officer Huff's widow, Melissa Huff, his 10-year-old son Blair, and other relatives.

"He lost a hero," Chief Evans said of Blair Huff. "He lost a dad."

"You probably picked up about 3,000 other dads," he told the boy.

"I don't know if you want all of us, but we all want you."