71-year old Kalyanarat Ranasinghe was directing traffic Nov. 29th in Midtown Manhattan when he was hit and killed by a vacuum truck as the driver pulled away from the parking spce.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly gave the eulogy Saturday and said the agent excelled at the demanding and sometimes dangerous job with his peaceful temperament.
Kelly says the agent often had to deal with individuals who were angry and reluctant to cooperate, but he treated people with respect and was granted respect in return.
"I'm told he was very proud of the fact that the people he issued summonses to never yelled or cursed at him. Some even thanked him for the ticket!," said Kelly.
"Talk to anyone who worked with him, and they will tell you, he was helpful, kind, and compassionate. Above all, he was completely devoted to his family."
The 42-year-old truck driver remained at the scene. He has not been charged, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.