Community Mourns Detective Michael Perry

Hundreds of police officers, family and friends remembered White Plains police Detective Michael Perry at his funeral service this morning at St. Patrick's Church in Yorktown Heights.

They remembered him as a dedicated law enforcement officer who loved his family, his profession and the people he worked with.

During the service, several of his fellow officers spoke and addressed the family.

"To David and John, your dad was a hero," one officer said to Detective Perry's two 6-year-old twin boys. "Your father was always there for us, and we'll always be there for you."

Another officer said Perry had "a heart of gold, the strength of a lion, and the compassion of a Saint." Others said they would remember him for his trademark fist punch and smile.

"He's always gone out if his way to help others," said Michael Kelly, who has known Perry since they were 11-years-old and described him as his best friend.

White Plains police officer David Camacho said Perry collected donations for officers who were laid off because he wanted to help. 

Hundreds of other police officers from throughout Westchester County stood outside the filled-to-capacity church to pay their final respects.

Helicopters flew over as the funeral procession left.

Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society accompanied the procession. Drum major of the band Frank McCarthysaid the 60-member-band, comprised of police officers from all over Westchester County, came to honor a fallen officer.

"When one of us falls, everyone is there to support the family," said police officer Joseph Russo of the Mount Vernon Police Department. "We're all one big family."

His flag-draped casket was carried out of the church as hundreds of officers stood outside and saluted.

Westchester County Sheriff John Ferris said there were over 1,000 people and police officers from at least 40 departments from all over Westchester as well as Long Island and some out of state.

Perry responded to an assist call from Macy's in the White Plains Galleria Mall at 4:41 p.m. on June 12. He chased on foot the shoplifting suspect and after a struggle he arrested him. Ricky Prior, 53, is a career criminal with more than 300 arrests, police said.

After the suspect was taken to police headquarters, Perry developed chest pains. An ambulance was called in, but as he was walking toward the ambulance, he collapsed. 

He was transported to White Plains Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m. He is the first officer at the police department to die in the line-of-duty in more than 60 years.

Perry was a police officer for the White Plains Police Department for over seven years. Prior to joining them, he was an officer with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. 

"We are all grieving," White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley said. "We've lost a hero and we are not going to forget him. It's a very difficult time for the city and our police department. My heart goes out to the family."

"I'm really going to miss him," White Plains officer Jeanett Parra said. 

Burial was held at Hillside Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor.