'We lost a hero': Thousands say final goodbyes to Savannah police officer from Charlotte
Updated: May 19, 2019 - 7:27 AM
SAVANNAH, G.A. — Thousands gathered Saturday for a funeral to show their respect for a Savannah, Georgia police sergeant who grew up in Charlotte.
The funeral for 50-year-old Sergeant Kelvin Ansari was held Saturday afternoon at the Calvary Baptist Temple in Savannah.
"Today as we celebrate his life and legacy, we remember him as a protector, guardian, friend, servant, leader, Christian, and hero," a speaker at his funeral said.
'We lost a hero," Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said as he was speaking of Ansari.
(Sergeant Kelvin Ansari)
Officials said Ansari was shot and killed as he arrived to investigate a barber shop robbery.
Ansari was raised in Charlotte and received his degree in criminal justice from Troy University.
According to CNN, Ansari served 21 years in the U.S. Army before joining the Savannah Police Department. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
Another officer was shot responding to the scene with Ansari last weekend, but is expected to be OK.
[ [ALSO READ: 'He was a good soul': Thousands say final goodbye to fallen Mooresville K-9 officer] ]
Police said after shooting, the suspect ran away before he died in a shootout with police.
"Our community owes these men and all the men and women who wear the badge a debt of gratitude," Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said.
Officials said The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is investigating the case.
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