Funeral for former NYPD officer killed in the line of duty in Texas

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN (WABC) -- A memorial service was held Monday at St. Patrick's Cathedral for former NYPD officer David Hofer, who was killed in the line of duty while serving in Texas.

It follows an emotional remembrance attended by hundreds over the weekend in the Fort Worth suburb of Bedford.

Hofer, who was 29, was a New York police officer for five years before joining the Euless police force two years ago, thinking it would be safer than the New York City streets.

He grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from NYU in 2008, then worked for the NYPD until 2014 assigned to the 9th Precinct on the Lower East Side before moving to Texas.

Hofer was gunned down Tuesday while responding to reports of shots fired in a park. Other officers fatally shot Jorge Brian Gonzalez, who police say ambushed the officers.

Hundreds of NYPD officers lined up outside St. Patrick's Cathedral to pay their respects to Hofer, showing his family the same love and respect as they would any other NYPD officer.

(NYPD photo)

"When one of us falls, we all pick them up, but more importantly that we take care of their family," PBA president Pat Lynch said. "That's why we're all here today."

The 9th Precinct sent out a tweet in Hofer's honor the day after he was killed.

"It's a very nice tribute, very somber, and it brings these things to reality," Princeton Police Chief Nick Sutter said. "All over the country, we come together at times like this. And this is one of those times, unfortunately."

Hofer graduated from St. Anne's High School in 2004.

"When you see police officers with shields from every department that surrounds us from Texas to the NYPD, you come out here and feel strong because you know you're part of something bigger, you're part of something better," Lynch said.