North Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Friends, family, and fellow police officers gathered in North Syracuse on Friday to pay their final respects to State Trooper Amanda Anna.
Anna, 31, was killed last week when her vehicle crashed while she was on duty.
Along with her supporters and colleagues, dignitaries from across the state arrived in the suburban village to mourn the fallen trooper, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to join more than 1,000 people gathered at North Syracuse Baptist Church.
Along with those in attendance, thousands more watched on television and online as the Fair Haven native was put to rest.
Her loved ones recalled her athletic ability, her dedication to police work and her family, and her sense of humor.
Her fiancé – Andy Lodge – said Anna was an inspiration for him and others.
“If it was a race, she was at the next point, cheering me on. If it was a funeral, she would be standing by my giving me the strength to do something - the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life,” he said. “I share this with you because Amanda wasn't content just being great. She had to be great and bring us all along for the ride."
Trooper Jeff Cicora was Anna’s first field training officer. He and others spoke of her toughness and courage, but also her demeanor.
“What I noticed first was that incredible smile,” he said.
Colleagues who spoke at the funeral recalled the Hannibal High School graduate and former basketball standout fondly.
“I know how Amanda lived and that was all in. Whether it was sailing, basketball, being a trooper, a friend, mother or fiancé…she gave it everything she had. Live your life well, treat others as you want to be treated, match something you love with something the world needs, be happy and enjoy the journey. That is the life lesson that Amanda would be proud to have shared with us. Rest easy, Amanda, we got it from here,” said Trooper Paul Darmody-Latham.
Along with her fiancé, Anna left behind a 4-year-old son.
Anna’s remains were taken to a cemetery in Fair Haven.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Trooper Amanda Anna Fund, P.O. Box 485, Fair Haven, New York 13064.
