SCRANTON – Family, friends, and members of the Pennsylvania State Police gathered to honor their fallen comrade, killed almost a week ago during an ambush at the state police barracks in Pike County.
It was a solemn day for the Pennsylvania State Police and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Hundreds gathered in Scranton to say goodbye to Corporal Bryon Dickson.
Corporal Bryon Dickson was killed Friday in an ambush at the state police barracks in Pike County. Trooper Alex Douglass remains in the hospital after that attack.
Those who attended the funeral at St. Peter's Cathedral on Wyoming Avenue were there to celebrate a life while having so many questions as the shooter responsible for Cpl. Dickson's death is still on the loose.
Law enforcement officers from all over the country lined Wyoming Avenue before the service.
Security at the cathedral was heavy, with officers in helicopters and on rooftops nearby.
One of Cpl. Dickson's sons wore a state police hat inside the cathedral during the funeral mass.
We learned more about Cpl. Dickson during the funeral. He was a man who loved woodworking and making toys for his two young sons.
He met his wife Tiffany at Penn State Worthington Scranton campus and just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.
Fr. Thomas Muldowney, citing Pope Francis, urged Cpl. Dickson's family, friends and coworkers to remain steadfast in faith.
"Although our hearts today are heavy with grief, may we celebrate a life well-lived and find peace as we remember the many happy and special times that we shared with our fellow brother. May we believe that he is in a place where he will continue to watch over us as we move forward."
An officer from Florida told us what it meant for him to be there and why he came.
"The first feeling was the response to his family. He lost loved ones. And then I asked myself what was the motive. Not understanding the motive, and the fact that the suspect is still on the loose, there's and unsettled feeling inside as to why it occurred and whether the suspect is going to strike again," said Trooper Joe Wigfall, Florida Highway Patrol.
Corporal Bryon Dickson will be laid to rest in Dunmore Cemetery.