Outpouring of support at funeral for Officer Kevin Ambrose

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There was a solemn show of respect as thousands gathered inside and outside St. Catherine of Siena Church on Parker Street in Springfield Friday morning for the funeral Mass of Officer Kevin Ambrose .

Bagpipes played “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” as Ambrose’s casket was brought into the sanctuary.

The lectern was covered in an arrangement of green carnations, shaped to resemble Officer Ambrose’s Badge Number 7. Readers at the Mass were his nices, Maura Cyr and Julie Ciolino, with the Gospel read by Deacon James Ziemba.

Celebrating the Mass was Fr. Joseph Sorrano, Ambrose’s pastor at St. Cecilia’s Church in Wilbraham. He paid tribute to his longtime parishioner and fallen hero in a heartfelt homily.

“Kevin attempted to save a woman’s life- and in carrying out his duties as a Springfield Police Officer, his life was taken from him and his family. Badge number 7- A fallen hero. A BRAVE, courageous man doing his duty,” Sorrano said.

Following the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Ambrose's sister-in-law, Missy Cyr, read a poem, and his former partner, Ray Muise also spoke. Police Commissioner William Fitchet praised Officer Ambrose, and said that the city is safe with Ambrose watching over everyone.

"Be not afraid, Springfield. Sleep well tonight, citizens of Springfield. Officer Kevin Ambrose, badge number 7, will be on patrol," Fitchet said.

Among the dignitaries in attendance for Friday’s Mass were U.S. Senator Scott Brown, Governor Deval Patrick, Congressman Richard Neal, Attorney General Martha Coakley, and Mayor Domenic Sarno.