COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — It was an emotional send-off as fellow officers and people in the community saluted a College Park police officer killed in a motorcycle crash.
Many tears fell as Sgt. David Hough’s hearse drove in front of the Police Department Thursday.
Fellow officers and citizens alike stood at attention as they said their final goodbye to the beloved 31-year-old. %
%
“I was devastated. I couldn't believe it. I was in shock,” friend Monique Billingsley said.
Hough died on Memorial Day when he lost control of his personal motorcycle and crashed on I-20 in Newton County.
“I just refuse to believe it. I don’t want to believe it,” said Officer Aaron Schmitz.
Police Chief Keith Meadows says Hough was an up-and-coming star in the department.
“The job was in his heart, and I think that's why he excelled so much in the Police Department,” friend Darlene Curry said.
Channel 2’s Tom Jones learned Hough got a promotion after he died.
‘We bestowed the honorary rank of lieutenant on him,” Meadows said.
Those who showed up to say goodbye say he will be greatly missed.
“He was a great guy. If he could help you in any way, he would,” friend Shamia Gadsden said.
Hough's body is being transported to New Jersey where he will be laid to rest Saturday.