CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TND) — A community said goodbye to a North Carolina police officer who was shot and killed while serving a warrant earlier this week.

The memorial service for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer was held Friday morning at First Baptist Church in Uptown Charlotte, with officers across the nation in attendance.

It's a heavy day in law enforcement. We want to support the families, friends, and the agency of these heroes that we've lost," Officer Debbie LeCroy told WLOS before departing. "It's a tragedy, so we're going down and we're paying respects."

The service can be viewed on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Facebook page and YouTube account.

Pastor Justin Wallace of One Life Church spoke during the service, comforting Eyer's loved ones, including Eyer's wife, Ashley, and their young son, Andrew.

God is with you. He is as close as your next breath,” Wallace said.

Wallace, who addressed the law enforcement community, said Eyer had a tattoo on his arm of the cross of Christ. The tattoo included the words, "For those I love, I will sacrifice."

Wallace said Eyer made the ultimate sacrifice for others, as he gave his life, and encouraged officers not to lose hope in Jesus.

So many of you, like Josh, wake up every day willing to sacrifice your own safety and well-being for the safety and well-being of others," Wallace said. "You have a desire to make the world a better place and yet you continue to see what seems to be an endless abyss of violence that destroys families, neighborhoods, cities, and lives. I'm sure there are days when you feel hopeless. I'm sure there are days when you feel in over your head. I'm sure there are days when the brokeness feels like it's too much to bear. But I have great news for you: Jesus, who is God in flesh, came to earth to give you hope."

Officers also spoke at the service, with Officer Nicholas Ferreira and a detective fighting tears as they spoke of their brother officer.

Ferreira, who trained in the police academy alongside Eyer, praised Eyer for his strength and bravery.

I could not have had a better person to navigate the beginning of this career with,” the officer said.I know Andrew is too young to know, but best believe we will let him know the true hero his father was," he added.

The detective shared similar sentiments, telling Andrew his father died a hero with a full heart, noting that Eyer wasn't scheduled to work the day he was killed. He also let Ashley know how much Eyer loved her.

He would often brag about you, Ashley,” Maddox said, noting that Eyer often described his wife as his strength and foundation.

Ashley spoke, as well, thanking everyone who has showered her with support. She praised her husband not only for his service, his hard-working nature, and his quest for excellence, but for the way he loved her and their son.

For 10 years, Josh and I build a beautiful life ... As cliché as is sound, he is and always will be my very best friend," she said.He was so, so good to me. I never have and I never will question his love for me and I will carry his love for the rest of my life.," she added.

Eyer was one of the four officers shot and killed when they arrived on April 29 to capture 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. on warrants for possession of a firearm by an ex-felon and fleeing to elude in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Hughes was also killed.

The other officers killed were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.

Eyer was awarded Officer of the Month and recognized for his "outstanding proactive policing" 14 days before he was killed, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

Friday's service was open to law enforcement officers.

Immediately following the memorial, a vehicle procession escorted Eyer to Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte for a graveside service.

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EDITOR'S NOTE:WLOS contributed to this report.

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