Thousands of people turned out Tuesday along the route from Mobile’s streets to the cemetery to pay their respects to Officer Justin Billa, the 27-year-old Mobile police officer killed in the line of duty.
Spectators stood at attention or pressed hands over their hearts as the hearse carrying Billa passed. First responders raised an American flag over Highway 90, and law enforcement vehicles from surrounding cities and states stretched mile after mile behind it.
A Community Turns Out
Among those gathered were people who knew Billa personally, including fellow church members who came simply to show support for his family. Others, like members of a local Jeep club, said they wanted the family to know the community stands behind them — noting that Billa had been part of a Louisiana Jeep club before joining law enforcement.
One onlooker, a Navy veteran, summed up the mood of the crowd: it was terrible that it happened to someone so young with his whole life ahead of him.
For many along the route, the sight of the flag waving above the passing hearse served as a reminder of the sacrifice of those who wear the badge — and a promise from the community that Officer Billa will not be forgotten.