Fallen Fresno County Sheriff's Sgt. laid to rest in Lemoore following long procession on HWY 41

LEMOORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the hearse carrying fallen Fresno County Sheriff's Sgt. Rod Lucas moved south on Highway 41 Wednesday, hundreds of law enforcement vehicles followed.

Other officers from local agencies patrolled the numerous intersections, ensuring a smooth ride for all from Fresno to Lemoore.

In Lemoore, Robert Baker and his family had a front row seat to the final leg of the procession. They came to pay respects to Sgt. Lucas, who most recently lived with his family in Lemoore.

Baker made sure to capture the moment, somber as it was, with a couple of cameras.

"It's really sad to see our law enforcement-- even thought it was an accidental shooting-- to get shot and pass away," Baker said. "I mean they're out doing a job that nobody else hardly does."

Fresno County Sheriffs, Fresno Police, and California Highway Patrol helicopters performed a fly-over during the sergeant's burial.

David Olds lives next to the cemetery where Lucas was laid to rest. He held an American flag as the procession passed.

"They got a hard enough job out there as it is, you know now (his) family's losing a member for something that was an accident," Olds said. "It's hard to go through."

And less than 10 minutes away, an entire school community continues to lift up the Lucas children, as signs of support still hang from their fence.

Those who saw the procession say it was powerful, and beautiful, but sincerely hope they don't have to see one again.

"I pray to god I hope all the rest of them stay safe out there, doing their jobs," Baker said.

It is estimated at least 500 people were at the cemetery Wednesday, after thousands showed up for Lucas' funeral in Fresno.