ADEL, GA — Loved ones said their final goodbyes to fallen Hahira Officer Caleb Abney Thursday during a public viewing.
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Abney was hit and killed last Thursday during a traffic stop on I-75 while on duty. He was 26 years old.
The family received loved ones at Purvis Funeral Home in Adel.
"Caleb loved to sing, especially while he was typing up reports in his car," Hahira City Manager Jonathan Sumner said Thursday. "You know, he was a little bit off key, but who of us doesn't like to sing when we're in the car?"
One of Abney's qualities that Sumner really admired was his happy-go-lucky attitude, especially given the dangers of police work.
"With the understanding that life and vitality are part of the things that make this world beautiful, Caleb was certainly all of those things. His family remembers the good times and we choose that as well," Sumner said.
A public funeral will be held Sunday, March 1st, at Martin Stadium at Lowndes High School at 2:00 p.m.
While not wishing to appear on camera, Abney's family did make a statement, making it clear they don't want this to be Abney's legacy.
They're urging mourners to wear bright colors for his final memorial:
"There is so much pain right now, so on Sunday let's make it a bright colorful celebration for Caleb. Help us spread the word."
Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp called for flags at the State Capitol building and in Lowndes County to be lowered to half-staff to honor Abney's service and his life.
Rachel Pineda, an investigator from the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, who was Abney's classmate at a law enforcement academy in Tifton, attended the public viewing to show support for his family.
"We've all kept in touch and try to keep up with one another, so I wanted to come here and support his family, because to me he was, he was a brother," Pineda said.
Levin Batten, another one of Abney's classmates, says he was his warrior buddy.
"You hear about it on the news. More than 100 officers get killed every year, and it's one of those things that I guess you kind of don't figure happens to you," Batten said.
The Hahira Police Department shared directions for Sunday's funeral service and procession on social media this week.
On Monday, the department announced neighbors could support Abney's family through an online fundraiser.
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