PHOENIX — It was a night to honor a fallen hero.
Many arrived at Phoenix Police Department's Mountain View Precinct Tuesday night. The same one where Officer Zane Coolidge went to work every day.
That's where they held a candle light vigil to remember his sacrifice after the 29-year-old was shot and killed in the line of duty.
While they may not have known him personally, they will never forget his dedication to the community.
“These people here fell in love with this officer and support him," said Muriel Smith.
About two dozen people held candles and prayed for the officer's family. At just 29-year-old, Coolidge leaves behind a wife and 5-month-old baby girl.
“I’m praying for his family and I’m letting him know that everyone out here is there for him," said Smith.
“This is the very least we could do is to be out here for them,” said Jennifer Rouse who lives in Laveen.
Coolidge, a 5-year veteran of the department, was responding to an attempted car break-in near 16th Street and McDowell Road, when police say the suspect, 41-year-old Saul Bal, shot at Coolidge and Officer Matthew Haney earlier this month.
Haney survived his injuries but days after the shooting Coolidge died in a Phoenix hospital.
“As it unfolded and we heard that we lost officer Coolidge it was just devastation upon devastation,” said Rouse.
The vigil was organized by the Phoenix Block Watch Advisory Board. AJ Marsden with the board said Tuesday night was also about showing the strength of the community coming together to support police. Encouraging residents to get involved in protecting their community.
"[Officers] go out there every day to help keep our neighborhoods safe and the least we can do is work as a community to make our neighborhoods safer," Marsden said.
Coolidge will be laid to rest on Wednesday. The funeral will be closed to the public but available to stream on the department's YouTube page.
The family requested that members of the public line the sidewalks during the procession. The procession will consist of motor officers, family, friends and Officer Coolidge’s Squad from Mountain View Precinct, officials said.
The procession will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. It will start at 60th Street and Bell Road and will travel to Dream City Church at 13613 North Cave Creek Road.
The services will begin immediately after.
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