Three hours before the funeral procession arrived, a crowd began to form outside the Chevron gas station off US-41. It's the spot Sgt. Elio Diaz was shot and killed Sunday.
Among the crowd was Eddie Canillas, the owner of Pioneer Cuts. His barbershop is raising money for Diaz's family. "Right before the holidays. This poor guy, four kids, just horrible. If I can do a little bit to help, I'm here."
The Charlotte County Sheriff's office says Sgt. Diaz genuinely loved to give back to his community, especially when it came to children.
“I had an experience with him when I was doing my lemonade stand, and he like helped us out and bought lemonade. He got all the other cops and stuff. And it was just like a moment that was so good,” said Clayton Wellans.
Unlike Clayton, most people didn't know Sgt. Diaz at all. Still, they stood in the sun for hours, waiting for the procession just because they felt it was the right thing to do.
"They're our first responders. So this our turn now to be their first responder, come out, and help them heal because it's a sad day," said Alexander Perez.
When Sgt. Diaz's casket started to make its way over the bridge, the crowd went silent. Many were moved to tears by the sounds of hundreds of motorcycles and sirens. All of it was made more powerful by the strangers who showed up to say goodbye.
“Te queremos mucho un corazon grande en paz descanse. Rest in peace and you had a big heart,” said Alexander Perez.