Slain Officer Honored, Laid to Rest [Photos]

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Honor guards, police officers and emergency responders from countless agencies lined highways in Maryland for a last salute to slain narcotics officer Jacai Colson.

The Prince George’s County Police officer who died in a shooting outside the police station in Landover was laid to rest Monday in Pennsylvania.

Colson died March 13 from friendly fire in what is described by authorities as an ambush by Michael Ford of Landover, who was then shot by police officers as they charged out of the District III police station to subdue the gunman. Ford is charged with murder in Colson's death.

Thousands of police officers from several states and the District of Columbia, as well as members of the public, gathered Friday at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden for Colson’s funeral.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said at the funeral that Colson left a lasting mark as a leader who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

“When many run from danger and adversity, Jacai ran toward it,” Hogan said, reports WTOP. “Where others would back down in fear, he stood on the front lines. The legacy of Detective Jacai Colson is that of a beloved son, grandson and brother and it is the enduring legacy of a proud, brave member of the thin blue line.”

Colson, 28, is survived by his parents, James and Sheila Colson, and a younger brother, Jurea. He grew up in Boothwyn, PA. He was buried at Lawn Croft Cemetery in Marcus Hook, PA.