A procession followed the funeral of fallen Austin senior police officer Jaime Padron yesterday.

Approximately 5,000 officers from across the state attended the funeral, with two Chicago policemen attending as well.

The estimated 24-mile procession started at Shoreline Church in Northwest Austin, where Padron’s funeral took place. Padron will be buried in San Angelo tomorrow.

Close to 600 police cars and motorcycles from across the state participated in the procession to pay their respects to Padron, according to Cpl. Wut Tantaksinanukij.

Tantaksinanukij said the entire public safety family from across the state attended the procession to pay their respects.

A long line of police motorcycles followed by several police cars began the procession. Drivers and passersby who saw the procession pulled over near the MLK bridge crossing over Interstate Highway 35 to pay their respects. Numerous police officers, state troopers, firefighters and EMS also watched from the bridge as the procession passed with their salutes up in respect to the fallen officer. When the procession passed by the Walmart where Padron was killed, employees lined the streets in silence.

“Padron’s family had no idea what to expect,” Tantaksinanukij said. “They were amazed with the outpouring of support from both the Austin Police Department and the Austin community. The Padron family should know that APD will always be there for them.”

Padron was shot and killed during a confrontation on Friday morning after responding to an intoxicated person call at a North Austin Walmart. The supsect, Brandon Montgomery Daniel, age 24, is currently in jail facing a charge of capital murder, according to the APD.

Printed on Thursday, April 12, 2012 as: Texas policemen honor colleague with procession