CLEVELAND -- Cleveland police detective Jonathan "AJ" Schroeder gave his life trying to keep his city safe.

On Wednesday, the Cleveland community said its final goodbye.

Funeral services took place at St. John Cathedral downtown. The service was officiated by Cleveland Catholic Bishop Richard Lennon.

More than 1,000 police officers, city officials and friends showed up to pay their respects to the slain officer and his family.

Schroeder, 37, was remembered as an officer who set aside any personal concern to do his duty. He volunteered last week to be part of a team 12 officers to track down the suspect who officers say they knew was dangerous.

"As (Schroeder's widow) Amy and I spoke last Friday, we both agreed this was so unfair," Lennon said in a eulogy inside the packed cathedral. The couple has a 10-month-old son.

Bagpipes played as uniformed pallbearers carried Schroeder's flag-draped casket past the lined-up officers, who were joined by Mayor Frank Jackson.

Glancing at all the officers outside the church, Cleveland police Sgt. Patricia Coleman expressed appreciation during the service.

"It means a lot to everybody here," she said. "It could be one of us. We all realize it."

Light Up The Night

In a special tribute, Schroeder's west side neighborhood lit up the streets with candles.

Hundreds of luminaries line sidewalks to show how Schroeder's smile lit up his neighborhood.

They said the simple gesture expresses their deep sorrow.

"I think it stands to let everybody know what the police officers stand for and that how we appreciate what they have done for us," said resident Mary Colbert.

Residents in West Park are being asked to place their candles out again Wednesday night.

Memorial Fund

A memorial fund has been established in memory of AJ Schroeder to benefit his family.

Donations can be made to:
The Jonathan Schroeder Memorial Fund
Courtesy of the Cleveland Police Credit Union
2301 Payne Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114.