Hundreds of community members gathered in Mentor Friday night to say goodbye to the fallen Officer Mathew Mazany.
They lit candles, held each other close and prayed for the family of the officer who was hit and killed during a traffic stop Sunday.
The late officer's older brother spoke during the vigil. He told the crowd he prayed for a little brother for years.
"I would show him off to everyone and I would say, that’s my baby brother," said Mike Mazany. "You know this community is a lot like a 6-year-old me and you guys could not help but say how proud you were of your officer Mat, and that really touches us."
The ceremony lasted just under an hour and towards the end, nearly everyone in the crowd was standing to honor the fallen officer with a lit candle in their hand.
Residents say although they didn't know the officer personally, they appreciated and admired his service to the Mentor community.
"I think we need to appreciate these men and women that serve and allow us the freedom and hopefully the protection to lead decent quality lives," said Kelly McKenna.
The formal funerals for the officer will happen Sunday and Monday.
