Detective MacKay Remembered for Bravery, Heroism
Thousands came to honor the San Bernardino County detective killed last week in the shootout with fugitive ex-cop Christopher Dorner.
The police procession stretched for miles as law enforcement and the community said farewell to a hero.
Detective Jeremiah MacKay is remembered for his service, his bravery and his love of family.
A veteran of nearly fifteen years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Detective MacKay dedicated his life to protecting the community.
Detective Jeremiah MacKay always wanted to serve and protect.
"It's amazing when you find a person like this, so dedicated to serving people. He wanted to intervene when someone was hurting someone else, and that's what Jeremiah did," said Jeremiah's father, Alan MacKay.
The San Bernardino County sheriff said MacKay put his life at risk to stop an evil man.
"During the manhunt in Big Bear, Jeremiah volunteered to search every day because he knew the area and it was important for him to stop the terror inflicted upon the region," said Sheriff John McMahon.
Jeremiah put family first -- his wife Lynette, daughter Kaitlyn and four-month-old son Cayden.
"Lynette asked him to please stay home on Monday, and without hesitation, he did. Lynette expressed her gratitude that her children were able to spend Monday with Jeremiah, because Tuesday he did not come home," said Sheriff McMahon.
MacKay loved to play the bagpipes and brought them to the sheriff's honor guard.
"Jeremiah truly was part of our family, he was a dedicated, hard-working deputy sheriff," said Captain Lee Hamblin with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
"There's not a day that goes by that I'm not going to miss that man, he was the funniest guy I ever met," said Jeremiah's friend and colleague, Roger Loftis.
"He loved to laugh, he laughed loudly and often, he had a distinctive laugh that can from deep inside him, the laugh of someone who truly enjoyed life," said Sheriff McMahon.
The flag covering Jeremiah's casket was handed to his wife by the sheriff, promising his bravery, heroism and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
"I trust in the Lord because I know that I will see my son again, so this is not goodbye, it's just see you later Jeremiah," said Alan MacKay.
The sheriff's department also asked the community to keep Deputy Alex Collins in their thoughts and prayers.
He was seriously hurt in the same shootout that killed Detective MacKay.





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