Thousands attend fallen Sikh cop's 'fit for a king' funeral

Thousands of people from all walks of life including police officers, Sikh believers, Indian-Americans and Houston-area residents turned out for the daylong ceremonies on early Wednesday to honour slain police officer Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was shot dead on duty during a traffic stop last week.

Dhaliwal (42), was the first Sikh sheriff's deputy in Harris County with a population of over 10,000 Sikhs.

Dhaliwal made national headlines when he was allowed to grow a beard and wear a turban on the job.

He was gunned down while conducting a routine mid-day traffic stop in northwest of Houston on Friday.

The fallen deputy's funeral included processions, a traditional Sikh funeral and a law enforcement funeral with a 21-gun salute from fellow officers and a helicopter flyover.

As 'Amazing Grace' was played on the bagpipes, members of HCSO folded the American flag that covered his casket and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez presented it to Dhaliwal's widow who clutched it to her heart. Helicopters flew overhead followed by a 21-gun salute.

After final ceremonies from the law enforcement memorial service at Berry Center, the Dhaliwal family and members of HCSO headed to the Winford Funeral Home for a closed cremation.

Following a final prayer by the Dhaliwal family, HCSO officers moved his casket into a hearse to escort it to the funeral home for a cremation.

The rest of the community and mourners were invited to Gurdwara Sikh National Center at 7500 North Sam Houston Parkway West for the langar (communal meal).

The procession route was lined with blue and white signs reading "Always in Our Hearts," and "In Loving Memory of Deputy Dhaliwal."
At the service, Simratpal Singh, a US Army Captain, flanked by other members of the Sikh community in military service, described Dhaliwal as "humble, fearless, not dissuaded by negativity."
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaking before thousands during the Sikh part of the ceremony, addressed Dhaliwal's wife and three children in saying the community "supports you and lifts you up."
Commissioner Adrian Garcia who hired Dhaliwal 10 years ago said the stadium full of people and the deputy's celebration of life was "fit for a king."
As he addressed Dhaliwal's father, he said, "Baba, you raised a good man. You raised him with a heart of gold. It is unfair that a father should outlive his son."
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said it was "moments like these when we fall on our faith."
The services on Wednesday followed a candlelight vigil by the sheriff's office for Dhaliwal on Monday and a 48-hour-long prayer-vigil at the Gurdwara Sikh National Center."