Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A large showing of members of the public and the law enforcement community came to Columbia Saturday to lay to rest Forest Acres Police Officer Greg Alia.
Alia lost his life in the line of duty earlier this week when he was shot at the Richland Mall.
During his funeral, there was a last call for service for Officer Alia. It was one of the only times that sound broke the heavy silence.
A voice could be heard over an intercom say, "Forest Acres one-six-one."
Over 400 officers from across the state walked in the rain down Devine Street towards St. Joseph's Catholic Church to pay their respects to their fallen brother. They all lined up in front of the church while they waited for the casket to arrive.
Forest Acres Police cars led the way and escorted both his family and Officer Alia's body.
The church service went for about an hour, and immediately afterwards, he was buried at St. Peter's Cemetery.
There, the seven year veteran of Forest Acres was present in every badge officers covered with his colors, black and blue.
Richland County Sheriff Sheriff Leon Lott, Columbia Police Chief William Holbrook, and SLED Chief Mark Keel were among the people who paid their respects, as did officers from around the state.
