Although temperatures were just above freezing with the sun was fading fast, hundreds of people stood on line in the parking lot at the funeral home waiting to enter.

Connecticut State Troopers directed traffic on the corner of Lowrey and Main Street where hundreds of mourners crossed quietly, avoiding media cameras, to reach their cars.

However, a clearly emotional Vernon Police Chief walked by the cameras and said, simply, "I never knew her, but support keeps us together. I am here to support the family." Just as quickly as he spoke, he hurried to his car.

Fran Amara, a physical education teacher from Farmington said that he was also offering support.

"I have a lot of friends in the Newington Police Department." Amara said. "These officers are such a good group of people. I’m here to support them."

Officer McDermott was shot and killed Monday in her West Hartford home by her ex-boyfriend State Trooper Victor Diaz. Diaz then shot and killed himself.

McDermott was the daughter of longtime police officer Peter McDermott, who worked for the West Hartford and Windsor Police Departments.

McDermott is the second Newington police officer to die violently in less than a year. Police Officer Peter Lavery was shot to death while responding to a domestic violence call on New Year’s Eve. He was the first officer killed in the line of duty in Newington.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey may be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com.