TOLEDO, Ohio — Tuesday marked a powerful ceremony in honor of a fallen Toledo hero: Police officer Anthony Dia.
Protecting and serving was at the core Dia’s life. The 26 year old was shot and killed in the line of duty on Independence Day.
“You know that it’s a possibility, but when it touches home, it touches home. So, it’s an eye opener, but also just extremely sad and heartbreaking. You just, you feel for the family,” said Dearborn, Michigan Police Detective Majida Beattie, who attended the funeral.
Dia is described as the epitome of what it means to be a great cop, and the type of officer you want on the force.
“Unit 118 will never be used again by this police department out of respect and honor for Anthony’s ultimate sacrifice,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral during the funeral.
The fallen officer’s cousin shared an emotional goodbye letter that Dia had written for his family prior to his tragic, unexpected death.
“I am sorry that I’m gone sooner than I wanted to be. Every soul shall taste death, and this is when Allah wanted me. I love you so much,” read Moustafa Rahal.
Dia’s last words on his final police transmission were, “Tell my family I love them.”
“His last transmission that he loved his family, I cried and I talked to some other people that said, ‘Yeah, we all cried.’ It just, it just breaks your heart,” said Brian Hatfield of the Fraternal Order of Police who attended the funeral.
Dia was a husband and father of two young boys and joined the Toledo Police Department in July 2018.
“Just some sadness because you realize it can happen to anybody,” said Akron Police Department Patrolman Erik Reichmanis.
Thousands of law enforcement from around the country came together to offer condolences and support.
Following the ceremony were seemingly endless flashing lights of first responders riding in solidarity. There was a special procession to a private burial service where Dia is now laid to rest.
