A Mesa County deputy shot and killed in the line of duty was honored Monday at a memorial service.
Deputy Derek Geer died last week after his family donated his organs.
"He was strong, loyal and steadfast in his commitment to this organization," a colleague said at the funeral. "Derek will live in our hearts and memories forever."
"He affected each one of us, taught us to love and support each other," he said. "What defined him was his love for his family. He always made decisions with his family as a priority. Many of us were privileged to be part of his life, but his family was the center of it."
Have passed several Aurora PD patrol cars & a Denver Sheriff vehicle on their way to Junction for deputy's funeral. pic.twitter.com/p9gW3iWf6Y
— Lance Hernandez (@lancehernandez7) February 15, 2016
Denver7's Lance Hernandez is in Mesa County and will have details throughout the day.
Interment will follow at the Orchard Mesa Municipal Cemetery at 2620 Legacy Way. The public is welcome.
Geer was shot by 17-year-old Austin Patrick Holzer shot multiple times on Monday, Feb. 8.
Geer was shot after responding to reports of a man carrying a gun and wearing a bandana over his face in the 500 block of Fruitvale Court around 11:06 a.m.
Geer contacted a man matching the suspect's description and when the suspect attempted to run, Geer deployed his Taser, according the sheriff's office.
That is when the suspect opened fire on the deputy and took off on foot, investigators said.
Holzer was taken into custody about an hour later, officials said.
Geer was a Navy veteran and has been employed with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office since October 2001. He was a husband and father of two children, ages 13 and 11.
Gov. John Hickenlooper ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on Monday, Feb. 15, on all public buildings statewide in memory of Deputy Geer.
