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Memorial service celebrates life of fallen Newport News police officer

Governor Ralph Northam was among those who spoke at the memorial for Newport News Officer Katie Thyne, who died in the line of duty last month.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A memorial service was held to honor the memory of Officer Katie Thyne who was killed on Jan. 23.

Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew honored Thyne as passionate and courageous. 

"For it's not how Katie died. It's how she lived," said Drew. 

Many at the memorial paid tribute to Thyne's 2-year-old daughter.

"When Reagan grows up, tell her the most important compliment she could ever be paid is that 'you are just like your mother.' Because she was an angel on this earth," said Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn.  

Thyne died after she was dragged by a car during a traffic stop. The car crashed into a tree and pinned her.

Officers escorted her body from Newport News to her hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts where she was laid to rest on Saturday with full military and police honors.

RELATED: 'A true hero' | Newport News police mourn, honor officer killed after being dragged by car

RELATED: Fallen Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne laid to rest in Massachusetts

Thyne served in the Navy and continued to work in the Navy Reserves while she served with the Newport News Police Department. She joined the force last year once she graduated from the police academy.

Throughout the last week, several memorials and vigils have been held in Thyne's honor. City Hall and the Convention Center in Hampton were both lit in blue just a couple of days after her death and the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula dedicated one of their basketball games to her for her sincere and dedicated involvement in volunteering at the center. 

A candlelight vigil was also held at Alvirne High School in New Hampshire where Thyne went to school.

Governor Northam ordered all Virginia and U.S. flags throughout the Commonwealth to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday to honor Thyne.

Northam spoke at Monday night's memorial service at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton. 

RELATED: Governor orders flags at half-staff for fallen Newport News officer Katie Thyne

RELATED: Fallen Newport News police officer remembered at Boys & Girls Club where she coached

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