One week after Brevard County Deputy Barbara Pill's life met a tragic end, thousands from across Central Florida and beyond packed a West Melbourne church to remember and celebrate her life and her 30-year career in law enforcement.

Pill was killed in the line of duty March 6. She was 52.

Calvary Church was filled to capacity by Pill's family, friends, fellow deputies and thousands of law enforcement officers from agencies all over Brevard County and elsewhere. Joining them were Brevard County Sheriff Jack Parker, Gov. Rick Scott, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, state Senate President Mike Haridopolos and mourners from as far south as Miami and as far north as New York.

  • Watch the entire 3-hour service again on Bright House Networks channel 313

Deputy Pill was shot several times during a traffic stop while responding to a call about a robbery at a hotel in Melbourne. She asked the driver to step out of the vehicle, when one suspect opened fire.

The two suspects, 21-year-old Brandon Bradley and 19-year-old Andria Kerchner, have been locked up without bond in separate jails outside Brevard County. Both face a slew of charges, including first-degree murder. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty against Bradley, whom they believe pulled the trigger.

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Mourners line the streets

Tuesday's services began in Palm Bay, where hundreds of patrol cars lined the streets outside Fountainhead Funeral Home to accompany the hearse carrying Deputy Pill's casket to the chapel in West Melbourne.

Gary Leverett, director of Fountainhead Funeral Home, said Tuesday's procession was the largest he had seen in his entire career.

"We pray that the family can find peace now, and our hearts are with them today," said Leverett. "It's been an honor to serve."

As motorcycle by motorcycle and cruiser by cruiser rolled along the 9-mile procession route, hundreds of Space Coast citizens lined the streets, carrying flags and paying their own, personal tributes to the brave deputy who gave her life to keep her community safe.

Some brought signs, thanking Pill for her service, both as a deputy and a volunteer in their community.

Others who were working at businesses along the procession route stepped outside to pay their respects.

They all agreed it was important to show the men and women who sacrifice and risk their lives for their protection that they are grateful.

"It was important to show the respect for the officer, and support for the officers who constantly put their lives on the line for us," said Tina Pirrong, a mother from Melbourne.

"As a military veteran, we sponsor and come out and support anything in this nature for somebody who is in harm's way," said Larry Dickerson, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Deputy Pill served for 30 years in law enforcement, and had been with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office since the late 1990s.

She was also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her two sons are also law enforcement officers.

One of her sons, Melbourne police Officer Ryan Pill, read a poem about how perfectly his mother balanced her roles of parent, spouce and officer.

He thanked everyone in the community for their outpouring of support for both his family at home and his family of fellow officers.

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Memorial program

  • Welcome – Pastor Norm Holm
  • Opening Remarks – Senior Pastor Mark Balmer
  • Agency Tribute – Sheriff Jack Parker
  • Family Tribute – Ryan and Jeremy Pill
  • Eulogy – Pastor Norm Holm
  • "I Can Only Imagine" – Calvary Chapel Worship Team
  • Funeral Sermon – Senior Pastor Mark Bakmer
  • Outside Ceremonial Services
    • "Amazing Grace"
    • 21-gun Salute
    • "Taps"
    • 10-7 Message
    • Sheriff's Aviation Flyover
    • Flag Presentation

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Flags fly at half-staff

In honor of Deputy Barbara Pill, Gov. Rick Scott issued the following order Monday:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Brevard County Sheriff's Office Deputy Barbara Pill. Deputy Pill was fatally shot while in the line of duty on Tuesday, March 6, 2012.

"In honor of BCSO Deputy Barbara Pill, I am hereby requesting that the state flag be lowered to half-staff at the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, West Melbourne City Hall, and the Brevard County Courthouse on March 13, 2012, from sunrise to sunset."