Funeral honors fallen Van Zandt County deputy

Fox 4 News starts now. Hello, everybody. I'm Heather Hayes. A somber day in Van Zandt County as people gathered to pay their respects for Deputy Adam Al-Sharifi. Several members of law enforcement remembered the impact that he had on the community. We also heard from Al-Sharifi's sister-in-law, who recalled the last time she saw him. I had no idea that that would be my last time seeing and talking to my buddy, a huge heart and a God. He was a man you could always count on. He was the kind of man who rarely comes around, and if you were lucky enough to know someone Like him, you were truly blessed. So emotional for so many, and Fox 4's Alex Boyer. Alex, you were at the ceremony today and you're joining us now more with what you saw and what you heard and felt. Yeah, that's right, Heather. Good afternoon. It was certainly a touching tribute. You know, that service lasted about an hour. Al Sharifi's sister-in-law among the many people who shared their personal stories of their friendship with Al Sharifi. I can tell you that he was certainly a man who was loved by many. The body of slain Van Zandt County Sheriff's Deputy Adam Al-Sharifi escorted by motorcade to the funeral venue in Canton Wednesday. Final salute as his casket draped in an American flag was moved inside for the service. Hundreds of people showed up to honor the life of Al-Sharifi. Many didn't know him. Al-Sharifi was much more than a law enforcement officer. He was a husband and father of three, including a newborn girl. His close friends spoke about him, I don't know how I can condense 12 years of friendship and brotherhood down into one speech to show how much that meant to me but I'm gonna try. Abel Barrientos was his best friend he's also a pastor, he officiated the service but today we remember more than the badge he wore or the uniform he put on, we remember the man behind them, we remember his character, his relationships, his laughter, his experiences, and the moments that made him who he was. Deputy Al-Sharifi was fatally wounded last week while trying to serve a felony warrant at a home in Van Zandt County. The wanted suspect fired some 800 rounds at law enforcement officers during that deadly encounter. Al-Sharifi's sister-in-law spoke on the family's behalf. Adam became so much more than just my sister's husband. He became someone I could laugh with, Someone I could talk to. Someone who picked on my sister with me. And someone I made so many memories with. If you were lucky enough to know someone like him, you were truly blessed. A sentiment echoed by all who knew him. But I will simply say that he was my best friend. He was my brother. He was the best man at my wedding. So many of us here will spend the rest of our lives trying to honor who he was as a person. How lucky are we to have known someone that makes goodbyes so hard? And from here, Deputy Al Sharifi's body was taken to its final resting place where close family said their final goodbyes. Heather. Alex, I know it's tough for a lot of folks. Thanks for bringing the story.