Officer Justin Maples was killed in the line of duty.
He was assisting the Bradley County Sheriff's Office during a police chase, when he lost control of his car and hit a utility pole.
Maples was a 7 year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department.
"One doesn't become a hero just because they die.. They become a hero because of the they lived," says Cleveland Police Chief Wesley Snyder.
Many may question why Maples had to leave this Earth now.
Cleveland Police Chief Wesley Snyder knows Maples' faith still lives on.
"Jesus lovingly picked him up, took him to heaven, to a special room, just for him, specially prepared just for your dad," says Reverend Terry Harris.
Hundreds came to pay their finals respects to the dedicated officer on Thursday.
From those who may not have been able to say the words.. Letters were read,
Here in the words of Danielle Maples.
"His family he saw a seat belt as protection, for himself he saw it as as sacrifice he had to make in order to make every second count. It hindered him and he needed to make maneuver or needed to maneuver without it to save other lives," Reverend Harris reads a letter from Danielle Maples.
Many stood in silence, on the streets Maples once patrolled.
As his flag draped casket came through town.
The note continues to say, "On Sunday, he found that even the most courageous and valiant warriors are still needed in heaven. Now he's flying on another level, he's our guardian still and protecting and watching over us, doing what the Lord called him to do."
Maples died a hero and will forever be known as one.
In Cleveland, Jillian Pavlica, WDEF News 12.
