Slain New York State Trooper Remembered As A Hero

THERESA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A New York state trooper killed in the line of duty was recalled at his funeral Saturday as a hero who protected his community by running toward gunfire.

Thousands of officers from across the country and Canada were in attendance at Saturday's funeral for a 36-year-old Trooper Joel Davis.

Davis was shot and killed Sunday night while responding to a call in Theresa, New York -- a village about 90 miles north of Syracuse.

New York State Police Superintendent George Beach praised the character of Davis at an Army base in northern New York where Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other dignitaries saw hundreds of state troopers move hats from heads to hearts as they passed the casket of their fallen brother.

Beach said Davis was a "great trooper" who served "fairly, honorably and with dignity."

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"He ran toward gunfire to protect the innocent and to prevent further bloodshed," Beach said. "He performed his duties. That is a trooper. That is a hero. That is bravery."

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Police say Staff Sergeant Justin Walters, an Afghanistan combat veteran, shot and killed his 27-year-old wife before gunning down Trooper Davis.

Walters, a native of Zeeland, Michigan, was ordered held without bail in the Jefferson County Jail at his arraignment on murder charges Monday.

The funeral was held at the Magrath Sports Complex at Fort Drum at 1 p.m.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)