HUDSON, Mass. — A fallen state trooper was laid to rest Tuesday after a violent car crash took his life last week.
Trooper Thomas Clardy's funeral began at 11 a.m. and thousands were in attendance, including officers from across the country.
Mourners line the streets to pay tribute
For hours, mourners lined the street leading to St. Michael's church to pay their respects to the family of trooper Thomas Clardy. More than 1,100 police officers attended his wake Monday - one of trooper Clardy's daughters counted each of them.
State police officials said as many as 10,000 uniformed officers from across the country were expected to attend services at St. Michael Parish.
Retired Sgt. Albert Toney said Tuesday in his eulogy for Trooper Thomas Clardy that the years he spent with Clardy when they were assigned to the Sturbridge barracks were "the best five years of my career."
Deadly crash occurred when Trooper Clardy pulled extra shift
Trooper Clardy spent years in the Charlton barracks, working the overnight shift. He picked up an extra shift last week to work a traffic safety detail on the Pike, when he was struck and killed by a driver who crossed three lanes on traffic. He was stopped on the side of the highway for a routine traffic stop.
How you can help support Trooper Clardy's family
Trooper Clardy leaves behind a wife, seven children, his parents and siblings. A fund has been set up to help the family and donations can be sent to "The Clardy Children's Fund" at Avidia Bank on 42 Main St. in Hudson.