Thousands of family, friends, fellow law enforcement officers and public mourners gathered Thursday in Central Florida to pay tribute to Windermere police Officer Robert German, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Saturday.

An emotional funeral service drew laughter and tears as those who knew German best remembered "Robbie" and his determination to become a police officer and help his community.

Following the service, a motorcade of law enforcement officers from all over Florida led the funeral procession to Oaklawn Cemetery, in Sanford, where "Robbie" German will be laid to rest.

Earlier Thursday morning, Lake Mary High School held a moment of silence for German, who graduated from the school in 2001.

Wednesday evening, German's parents and sister greeted hundreds of family, friends and fellow officers during a visitation service at Northland Church.

German was killed early Saturday morning after stopping two missing Polk County teenagers in Orange County. Both teens, 18-year-old Brandon Goode and 17-year-old Alexandria Hollinghurst, were found dead a short distance away from German. Authorities said the teens had left suicide notes to their parents, and appeared to have shot themselves after shooting German.

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Live updates from the funeral

12:05 p.m.

A motorcade made up of law enforcement officers from all over Florida prepares to depart for Oaklawn Cemetery in Sanford.

11:30 a.m.

The service concludes as the funeral director begins to dismiss the congregation, starting with German's family and friends.

11:28 a.m.

A cantor sings "Amazing Grace."

11:20 a.m.

The woman escorted out earlier (10:38) has been taken to a facility to undergo a mental health evaluation. At this point, investigators could not confirm a specific connection between the woman and the funeral service or Northland Church.

11:10 a.m.

Dr. Joel Hunter, senior pastor of Northland Church, speaks to the congregation.

Hunter says while many may feel it doesn't get worse than a "good guy" being lost in a tragedy, Officer German saw that it didn't get worse.

Hunter asked the congregation to "pray for the families of the perpetrators," who are also grieving.

11:03 a.m.

A montage of photos from throughout Robert German's life plays to the songs "One More Time" by Diamond Rio, and "Coming Home Part II" by Skylar Grey.

10:57 a.m.

Security is being tightened around Northland Church after the incident involving the woman yelling inside the service (10:38).

10:54 a.m.

Friend Andrea Gallego-Patrick speaks about her "best friend," the "one person in my life" to whom she told everything.

Gallego-Patrick recalled meeting German in high school and becoming best friends. She said German and her husband, then her boyfriend, lived together and bonded.

She said her family called German "the brother we never had, but were gifted."

Gallego-Patrick said when German put his mind to something, he would never give up, including finding a police department to join when he wanted to become an officer. She recalled a story about German giving stickers to children in a neighborhood he was patrolling, because "he didn't want kids to be scared of cops."

10:45 a.m.

Matt Watkins begins speaking about his "best friend, whom I loved as a brother."

10:38 a.m.

A woman was heard yelling something in the back of the church. She was escorted out of the service.

News 13's Amanda Evans says the woman was yelling because she claimed "someone was laughing" at the funeral service.

The woman said she "represents" Winter Park, and began yelling about someone "putting a bullet" in her child.

As she was escorted out of the church and into the back of a Seminole County Sheriff's Office squad car, she yelled, "Don't blow my cover," and "Let me go."

10:35 a.m.

Officer Justin Latimer, German's friend and former roommate, begins speaking, recalling his favorite times with German.

"Robbie is one of my best friends, best listeners and best roommates I'll ever have," Latimer said.

10:27 a.m.

Tim German, Robert's father, says: "Robbie was living his dream of becoming a police officer."

"He had it all. He loved his work, the community he served and protected, his colleagues who, in the last few days we've learned, are truly his family."

Tim German says all the cards and support his family has received in the last few days show that Robbie had achieved that dream.

10:15 a.m.

Windermere police Chief Dave Ogden says: "To Robbie's family: You are now our family. Robbie is our hero."

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Candlelight vigil planned Friday

While investigators continue searching for answers in the death of Windermere Police Officer Robert German, city leaders are planning a vigil.

Mayor Gary Bruhn of Windermere announced Monday that the city will be holding an outdoor candlelight service on Friday, March 28 at Central Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. He said all are welcome.

“It’s a tragedy. I was with the family that morning. Not only was he an officer by day or not, whenever his shift was, but he actually was part of the community,” said Bruhn.

A memorial near where Officer German was shot continues to grow with flowers, balloons and hand written notes.

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Timeline: Polk County investigation into missing teens

Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office (Download PDF)