It was a moving moment as police officers and state troopers showed their support for one of their own lost in the line of duty.
The brotherhood of servicemen was on display Wednesday evening as a sea of blue flooded Albany Street in Boston.
Police cruisers lined the street as Trooper Thomas Clardy's body was escorted to the Boston Medical Examiner's Office by a procession of his peers.
"We really appreciate everyone coming out here, showing their respect for a fallen officer," said Sgt. Pardo Montagano of the Massachusetts State Police.
Both state police and Boston police saluted their fallen brother as the procession went by.
"The family needs to see that their loved one is honored and respected. It's a tough profession being a first responder. Everyone knows when you go out the door you may not come home again. But i think everyone saw here today a great show of respect," said Superintendent William Gross of the Boston Police Department.
Boston police Commissioner William Evans also offered condolences to Clardy's family.
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"Our thoughts are with his family and the Massachusetts State Police during this tragic and difficult time," Evans said in a statement. "In honor of Trooper Clardy, all flags on Boston Police buildings will be lowered to half-staff. God bless Trooper Clardy and his family."
Clardy's cruiser was struck by another car Wednesday while the trooper was making a traffic stop on the Mass Pike in Charlton. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, where Clardy was pronounced dead.
As fellow state police mourn his death, they're reminding drivers to be careful.
"If you see a cruiser in the breakdown lane, you're supposed to move over, keep that right lane open. That's our officer out there. We're outside the car, we're inside the car, it's a $100 fine — you're supposed to move over to the left; no one does," said Montagano.
Clardy, a family man, leaves behind a wife and six children.
