Hundreds of police officers, friends and loved ones gathered Monday to remember Brandon Tsai, a Grand Prairie police officer killed last week during a high-speed chase.
Before the pews inside Gateway Church in Grand Prairie were filled, David Prince stood outside and removed his large-brimmed brown cowboy hat each time a law enforcement vehicle passed by.
"I just can't put into words the grief we feel," Prince said.
Prince came from Frisco to honor the life of an officer he never met but one he admitted he is unlikely to forget.
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Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney presented three United States flags to the family of 33-year-old Officer Tsai.
During his eulogy Monday, Scensey addressed a tight-knit department that has now lost its fourth officer in as many years, three in the line of duty.
“I know you’re broken,” Scesney said through tears. “I know we’re on the mat again, but I also know your heart and your steadfast refusal to quit.”
A driver suspected of having fake temporary license plate tags sped away when Tsai tried to pull him over on November 14.
A sudden turn by the suspect led to Tsai hitting another Grand Prairie police vehicle and losing control. Tsai was killed after his vehicle struck a pole. The driver being chased was arrested two days later and now faces multiple felony charges.
But on Monday, the focus was on a 7-year officer who joined grand prairie from LAPD just nine months ago.
“Ms. Tsai you did an outstanding job raising Brandon and I’m here to tell you he did an outstanding job representing your family,” Scesney said.
A ceremony in the parking lot of Gateway Church included a flyover of four military helicopters, a 21-gun salute and concluded with the Tsai's casket, draped in the Texas flag, loaded into a hearse for a private family service in Arlington.
Prince said he will continue to stand outside officer funerals to show his support for the profession.
"I want to make sure they know that we love ‘em," Prince said. "We appreciate them standing in the gap for us.”
