Sea of blue honors Willoughby police officer Jason Gresko who was killed in crash

EASTLAKE, Ohio - Hundreds of officers lined the hearse of Willoughby police officer Jason Gresko on Thursday.

Gresko, 32, was killed on Friday in Willoughby while responding to a call. His patrol car hit a truck and crashed into a tree. He leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old daughter.

The funeral was held at the Monreal Funeral Home in Eastlake around 10 a.m.

"It's a dangerous job," said Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely. "We train and work with each other, and try to keep it from happening. And sometimes it still happens."

"When something like this happens... Sometimes you go home and give your wife and child an extra long hug," said Olmsted Township police officer Lt. Matt Vanyo.

J.R. Sesock worked with Gresko at the Cleveland Clinic. He described him as the type of guy you would want to have as a friend.

"I remember walking through the halls and seeing Jason. He was always smiling. He was always saying, 'Hi' and always helping somebody,” Sesock said.

The procession started at the funeral home and went down state Route 91 to state Route 6, which leads into All Souls Cemetery.

When his wife came out of the funeral home she was holding their young daughter and smiling at her.

"You know he was funny," said retired Timberlake police officer Ronald Baker. "(He) had a real good personality. Easy going guy, but he was always there. Always did the job."

Vanyo said at times like these, you really begin to think about your own mortality.

"You know that everyday in this line of work could be your last."