Funeral for LBPD Sergeant Brenda Relph, Age 47

(Jan. 9, 2013) -- One day before she would have turned 48 years old, Long Beach Police Department Sergeant Brenda Relph was remembered at her funeral as a courageous, compassionate, fun loving person -- and an outstanding police officer -- in an emotion packed ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at St. Cornelius Church in Long Beach.

Sergeant Relph passed away on Jan. 1 after battling cancer.

A giant American flag was unfurled from LBFD Ladder Truck 17 as family, friends and co-workers came to pay their respects.

Among those attending was Sgt. Relph's Life Partner, Tracey Henk (at right in photo below with Sgt. Relph).

Also attending was Sgt. Relph's mother, Karyn Weingarden; her sister Theresa Robin Carrasco, nephew John James Wolfer and niece Hope Ann Carrasco.

Long Beach Police Department Command Staff were present along with a large contingent of rank and file officers. Among those attending was Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell, who delivered one of two eulogies. Also eulogizing Sgt. Relph was LBPD Lieutenant Timothy Lancaster, whose heartfelt eulogy is part of our video coverage below.

To launch video, click here or on the video icon at right.

Bagpiper Max Gillespie played "Going Home" as the flag draped casket was escorted into the church. Reverend Patrick Sheary was Presiding Celebrant.

Pallbearers were Deputy Chief Laura Farinella, Commander Lisa Lopez, Lieutenant Timothy Lancaster, Sergeant Rico Fernandez, Sergeant Gerry Prieto, Sergeant Dina Zapalski, Detective David Ternullo and Officer Matthew Dougherty.

The funeral concluded with bagpipes, a Flag Folding Ceremony by an LBPD Honor Guard, a 21 Gun Salute (just outside along Wardlow Rd. at Bellflower Blvd.) by an LBPD Honoring Rifle Squad, Taps and a fly-over and hovering by LBPD's helicopter unit.

Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett, Washington, the community where Sgt. Relph was born.