Procession for fallen Pierce County deputy

Pierce County Deputy Daniel McCartney’s body was escorted from the medical examiner’s office in Tacoma to Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood on Tuesday. It’s just the beginning of the formal farewell to the deputy who was killed in the line of duty late Sunday night.

RELATED: Photos from the procession

Agencies across the state will gather to decide how best to honor him. The Behind the Badge Foundation is likely to help prepare for Deputy McCartney’s memorial service. The focus will be on the family’s wishes, both in the next few days and in the months and years following the funeral.

“The family now, they are in a whirlwind. After the service, they are on their own and have to rebuild their lives. There’s a family without a dad for no reason.”

Veteran police officer and Crime Stoppers spokesperson Jim Fuda says the process takes a tremendous toll on the family, as well as those planning the service.

“When they do the final radio call, it is extremely tough. Makes me sad just thinking about it,” Fuda said.

Meanwhile, a memorial at Pierce County Sheriff’s Department South Hill Precinct continues to grow.

Memorial outside @PierceSheriff South Hill Precinct for Deputy Daniel McCartney continues to grow more community reaction 11PM @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/VFimHg04he

— Ranji Sinha (@RanjiKIRO7) January 9, 2018

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