A Dallas police officer sprinkles sand on the casket of fallen Dallas police Officer Rogelio Santander, Jr., 27, as she pays her respects in the Garden of Honor at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery in Dallas on May 1. Santander was shot and killed last week while trying to arrest a man at The Home Depot on N. Central Expressway. (POOL by Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
ROCKWALL — Family, friends and police officers from across the country paid their last respects May 1 to Dallas Police Department Officer Rogelio Santander, Jr., Badge No.10934, at a Catholic funeral service, held at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall in order to accommodate the more than 3,000 people in attendance.
Dallas Bishop Edwards J. Burns officiated and joined family members and fellow officers in telling stories about Officer Santander, including his love for his parents, fellow officers and girlfriend. They talked about his infectious smile, love of cars and duty to his job and community.
The Bishop Lynch High School choir participated in the service.
Officer Santander died on April 25 from gunshot wounds suffered a day earlier while attempting to bring into custody a man suspecting of shoplifting at a Home Depot. His partner, Officer Crystal Almeida, and a The Home Depot security guard, Scott Painter, also were shot and are recovering.
The suspect is in jail on $4 million bail on various charges.
Look for additional coverage in the May 11 print edition of The Texas Catholic.
