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Police, family say goodbye to Ofc. Nick Rodman

Matthew Glowicki
@MattGlo

Thousands said goodbye Tuesday to Officer Nick Rodman, from those who didn't know him yet stood along the road to see his funeral procession, to his loved ones who cried as they watched his fellow officers lay him to rest.

LMPD officers carry the casket fallen officer Nick Rodman at Cave Hill Cemetery.
April 4, 2017

Compassion, dedication and love for his family — that's what Rodman exemplified, said the speakers who honored the fallen Louisville Metro Police officer at a funeral memorial service.

Around 3,000 people filled the sanctuary at Southeast Christian Church, mostly men and women of law enforcement. Their uniforms, shades of blue, brown, black and gray, bore different badges from cities and towns across the state and outside Kentucky.

They came to pay tribute to the three-year veteran of the department who followed in the footsteps of his father, George, and brother, Andy.

"Nick was the kind of man you wanted to be able to call your friend," Police Chief Steve Conrad told those gathered at the service. "I want you to know Nick will always be part of our team."

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Louisville Metro Police Detective Rick Beahl, speaking on behalf of Rodman's family and his first division platoon family, moved the crowd to moments of brief laughter, recalling how Andy would get frustrated as his big brother pulled good grades yet never seemed to study. Or how the Cardinals superfan didn't shower or shave and wore the same clothing for an entire weekend the last time the University of Louisville men's basketball made the Final Four.

"Rest easy, my friend," he said, the members of Rodman's platoon standing on stage behind him. "And we will take it from here."

Rodman, 30, is the second officer killed in the line of duty since city and county police departments merged in 2003. He died March 29, one day after police say a fleeing suspect barreled through a red light and crashed into Rodman's police car.

After the hourlong memorial, Rodman's hearse made its way to Cave Hill Cemetery, passing beneath overpasses where firetrucks unfurled American flags and past people on the side of the road who held signs of gratitude and support.

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A horse-drawn carriage brought the flag-draped casket to its final resting place, a grassy spot beneath trees only just beginning to bud.

Rodman’s mother, Linda, sat beside his wife, Ashley.

Honor guard members slowly, meticulously folded the flag that covered the casket. Conrad, on bended knee, presented a folded flag first to Rodman's wife and then to his mother.

After bagpipes blared "Amazing Grace" and honor guard members fired a salute, Rodman's platoon and immediate family said their goodbyes as hundreds of mourners looked on.

First Division Major Andrea Brown led the platoon single file to the gravesite. Each holding a white carnation, the officers who worked most closely with Rodman placed the flower to their lips before resting it atop the casket.

Then Rodman's mother stood, kissed her fingers and touched the casket. Escorted by officers, she left the gravesite, Chief Conrad following behind her.

Brother Andy and sister Carly laid their head at their big brother’s casket, followed by his wife, in tears.

Rodman’s father, George, rose and slowly approached. He too lowered his head to the silver box and wept.

His arms around fellow officers, the father walked from the gravesite, his remaining children behind him, hand in hand.

Members of Officer Nick Rodman's platoon pay their respect as his procession passes by the First Division headquarters in Portland. 
April 1, 2017

Additional coverage

Bond set at $1M in Officer Rodman murder case
Officer Rodman honored by LMPD officials, others
Letter | Prayers for family, friends of Officer Rodman

Reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at 502-582-4989 or mglowicki@courier-journal.com.