A Metro Police officer killed last Sunday in an ambush was remembered today as strong of mind, heart and body.
Police officers turned out in droves for the second time in three days to honor one of their fallen colleagues, this time Officer Alyn Beck.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts was the venue for Beck's funeral. As with Officer Igor Soldo's funeral earlier in the week, hundreds of police officers, government officials, family and friends attended to pay their respects to their colleague and his family, wife Nicole, son Daxton, and daughters Avenlee and Katriann.
"He was a great man, officer and an even better family man. Strong as an ox with a mind to match ... (Beck) helped me through many a tough time," said Metro Sgt. Jimmy Oaks.
Officer Mike Bland described the shock of Sunday's shooting that left the two Metro Northeast Command partners Beck and Soldo dead.
"People asked if I'm angry," Bland said. "Right now, (I'm filled with) just an overhwhelming sadness and emptiness because I know I'll never see Al again in my lifetime."
Bland, however, looked beyond the tragic events that brought more than 2,400 people to the Smith Center.
"I've realized I don't want to focus on the events of that day but on the great man that he was and the great life he lived," Bland said.
Looking at Beck's casket, covered by an American Flag on Flag Day, Bland said, "Alyn I love you, I miss you, I hope to see you again."
Sheriff Doug Gillespie recounted a story told to him about Beck when he asked Nicole to marry him.
"He had two trumpeters serenade his would-be wife to propose to her; they played 'Love and Marriage.' Think about that one," Gillespie said.
He also talked about the bravery of his two fallen officers.
"Alyn and Igor would have sacrificed their lives for fellow officers as well as anyone in this community," he said.
Gillespie, still crushed by the unprecedented deaths of two Metro officers in one day, lamented the senseless murders of his patrol officers.
"People don't anymore much about evil, but it exists," the sheriff said.
He went on: "These two criminals took from all of us what they can never have. On that day they took two ... men who represented something good."
The evil of Sunday's shooting, though, did spark a tremendous amount of outpouring in the community. Gillespie told the story of a 5-year-old boy who donated $100 to assist the families of victims of Sunday's shootings.
"Angel wings cost a lot of money," the boy said.
Gillespie hailed Beck and Soldo as heroes.
"We know nothing is lost forever. A hero's sacrifice is their legacy ... an officer who does his duty never dies in vain."
Family members were among the first to speak at the service.
Elizabeth Krmpotich said her brother was "dichotomy pesonified -- he was the toughest guy in Las Vegas, and we knew he had the kindest heart."
Joseph Beck described his brother as a "renaissance man, carpenter, architect, master chef, defender of musicals ...teacher, keeper of promises."
Noting the numerous positions in Metro in which his brother served,, Joseph Beck said Alyn returned to patrol in the Northeast Command because, "he wanted to be busy."
Joseph Beck also talked about his brother's love of family.
"His wife was his greatest friend and cheerleader; he was an attentive and devoted father to his son and daughters."
Elder Terry L. Wade, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, quoted from a letter Beck's daughter, Avenlee, 11, wrote on the night of Beck's passing.
"I wish I could say goodbye to you. I'll always be thinking of you. I 'll see you in heaven."
Avenlee assured her father they'd be reunited.
"I know I will see you again though because you were married in the temple. Don't worry, I'll take care of mommy for you ..."
Tracy Truman, first counselor, Elkhorn Springs Stake, spoke after the Metro officers and noted that as good of a police officer Beck was, he was a family man first.
"Alyn got it. He realized it wasn't about Alyn," Truman said. "He understood no other success could account for failure in the home."
Firefighter Bill Hill, a friend of Beck's, was the final speaker. "We are grateful he has touched our lives in one way or another," Hill said in his closing prayer.
Beck's body will be transported on Sunday by air to his native Wyoming for burial.
Sun intern Ian Whittaker contributed to this report.
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McClatchy-Tribune News Service
