Four policemen killed in a Co Down road crash died trying to make their community a safer place, mourners at three of their funerals heard today.
Police chiefs and political leaders joined relatives and friends attending the funerals of three of the officers killed in the Sunday morning crash.
James Magee, Kevin Gorman and Kenny Irvine were laid to rest today, while their colleague Declan Greene will be buried tomorrow.
An investigation is under way after the officers' Mitsubishi Shogun crashed into a wall and burst into flames shortly before 4am on Sunday while they were answering a call for help from colleagues.
Dean Stephen Lowry told mourners at Constable Magee's funeral at Dromore Cathedral that the 27-year-old had a proud record of service.
"His death has brought to a sudden end many of the hopes that we had for him," he said. "But it has brought no shame, for he died on duty in the prime of life, with everything to live for and the best record you could imagine."
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie were among mourners.
They were joined by representatives of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, including Sinn Féin's Alex Maskey, while education minister Caitriona Ruane who represents the South Down area also attended.
South Down Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Assembly member Jim Wells and Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson were also among the mourners.
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for the area John McAllister and MP for the area Eddie McGrady, with SDLP colleague PJ Bradley, also paid their respects.
Constable Gorman (24), was buried in Ballynahinch after Requiem Mass in the Church of Christ the King in Drumaness. He was the father of four-month-old baby girl Shannyn, while his partner Debbie is pregnant with a second child.
Thirty-year-old Kenny Irvine, who would have been celebrating his fourth wedding anniversary today, was remembered this afternoon by relatives and friends gathered at Kilkeel Presbyterian Church.
His wife walked in the funeral cortege pushing a pram carrying their young son Callum.
The funeral of 39-year-old father-of-four Declan Greene will take place tomorrow with Requiem Mass planned for noon at St Colman's Church in Massforth, near Kilkeel.
PA