BATON ROUGE, La. Matthew Gerald, a 41-year-old rookie police officer who was one of three lawmen shot to death last week by a gunman who targeted police, was remembered Friday at an emotional service attended by thousands of mourners and police officers from around the nation.

For Matthew Gerald, being a cop wasnt just what he did, it was who he was, said Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie Jr., whose voice broke several times as he eulogized the slain officer. He served with honor [and] our hearts are broken.

Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office Chaplain Ken Spivey spoke about Geralds commitment to the military, the police department and his family.

Following his graduation from Central High School, Matt initially pursued a career in the military, Spivey said. He achieved the rank of U.S. Army specialist, earning four air medals. In addition, he was a Black Hawk crew chief, a corporal in the United States Marines and also completed three tours of duties in Iraq. Matt relentlessly showed others good through his own actions ... The love of his life, however, was his family. Matt was an amazing husband, son, father and a friend.