Funeral procession escorts remains of late Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Brett Harris

A procession to honor a Riverside County Sheriff's deputy killed in a collision while on duty took place Wednesday morning, June 7, in Riverside County.

People gathered along the streets to watch as law enforcement officers escort a sheriff's patrol car carrying the ashes of Deputy Brett Harris from a Menifee mortuary to a Riverside church.

RELATED: Funeral salutes Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Brett Harris, who died after crash

The red and blue lights of police/first responder vehicles began to flash about 8:45 a.m., when the parade of cars started its 17-mile drive to the Grove Community Church in Riverside.

David Foust, a 64-year-old Menifee resident, was at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary on behalf of the city's Community Emergency Response Team to help direct traffic.

He had a purpose beyond carrying out his task.

"I’m here to honor this gentleman," Foust said. "Out of respect for him, I wanted to help."

Minutes before the procession was to start, the sun began to peek out of the cloudy sky. Law enforcement vehicles line the street down Murrieta Road, where the mortuary is located.

As the procession departed, the mood was solemn. The only sounds were from a lone helicopter above and birds chirping nearby as police officers on motorcycles, firetrucks and a sheriff's SUV escorted the patrol car carrying his remains.

People nearby watched from their cars as hundreds of first responders drove along Ethanac Road.

In Riverside, a few minutes before the service started, about a dozen people gathered at Orange Terrace Community Park, which is near the church. Some held American flags. One held a sign with Harris’ name and badge number.

The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that honors first responders and veterans, were outside the church.

Standing on the sidewalk in front of The Grove was the California State Capt. Tom Barry and about 20 members including veterans, former first responders and volunteers.

After the service, Barry said by phone that the group is invited by families to help escort fallen law enforcement officers.

"We have unwavering respect for those who risk their lives," he said. "It's not about us, it's about the fallen."

Harris, 27, died after suffering major injuries, including a brain injury, from a May 12 crash in San Jacinto.

Harris, who was assigned to the Sheriff's Hemet station, responded as backup to a deputy's call that day, collided with a Nissan Maxima and hit a light pole.

His funeral at The Grove will be livestreamed on the Riverside County Sheriff's Facebook page and its YouTube channel.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct an error. Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Brett Harris was 27.

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