MICHAEL HARTZELL FUNERAL Nearly 2,000 pay respects to slain officer

Addressing his slain brother, Kevin Hartzell said: 'Duty has called you.'
By ROGER G. SMITH
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Michael T. Hartzell's family and friends didn't want to gather this way.
They had looked forward to coming together in August to celebrate his new life with his marriage to Stephanie Harchar. Instead, on Saturday they remembered the young city police officer whose life ended in the line of duty.
Family and friends didn't have to share the funeral's sadness alone.
A contingent of law enforcement officers and other safety workers nearing 2,000 came to pay tribute. Police officers and others from numerous agencies around Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania came, as did those from other states.
They made for an impressive display of blue support.
Hartzell, 26, was shot and killed early Tuesday in what police called an ambush. Martin L. Koliser Jr., 30, is charged with aggravated murder. He is being held in Florida, where he fled and soon was captured. He is to be returned to Youngstown next week.
Officers lined the median on Schenley Avenue in front of St. Christine Church. They saluted as Hartzell's body was brought into, and out of, the sanctuary as bagpipes played.
90-minute procession
The procession of police cars, motorcycles and firetrucks needed 90 minutes to make the 5-mile trip to Resurrection Cemetery on North Raccoon Road in Austintown.
"God bless them for coming out," said an onlooker, one of many watching the procession from Meridian Road and Mahoning Avenue.
Police stopped traffic. Some drivers got out of their cars to watch. All were reverent; there were no honking horns or complaints about the long traffic backup. The usually busy intersection was eerily quiet.
"It's a shame. He was only 26. Just starting his life," said Rick Phillips, who owns Don's Automotive in Youngstown. Phillips left his store, removed his hat and held it over his heart as he watched the procession from the corner. He expressed appreciation for police.
"It's just nice to know they're out there," he said.
Officers lined up again, four and five deep in spots, and saluted as pallbearers moved Hartzell's coffin in place for an outdoor service at the cemetery before a private burial.
At Mass
Inside St. Christine's, which seats about 1,200 people, officers filled the pews. More stood in a ring around the sanctuary. Still more stood in the aisles from near the altar to the back of the church.
Some officers struggled to keep their composure during the service, especially at the end. A few cried, particularly some younger members of the Youngstown police.
A couple hundred officers remained outside with other mourners and listened to the Mass of Christian Burial broadcast on speakers.
Elected officials from Gov. Bob Taft to Mayor George M. McKelvey and city council members attended the 75-minute church service.
Monsignor David Rhodes likened Hartzell's death to the lights suddenly going out. The family, police and the community were senselessly plunged into darkness, he said.
Looking for light
The community has learned about Hartzell's many outstanding qualities in the ensuing days, he said.
"Tragically, we've been robbed of that," Father Rhodes said.
People search for any light when there is dark to bring meaning, he said. Jesus is the light that penetrates such darkness, he said. Hartzell's sharing in Jesus' resurrection, not his violent death, should be best remembered, he said.
Father Rhodes called the outpouring of support from the community this week extraordinary.
"I want to thank you for the beautiful witness," he said.
Hartzell's brother, Kevin, relayed some of his remembrances to the congregation, talking about Michael's carefree personality and sense of humor. The two would needle each other incessantly and laugh hysterically, he said.
Kevin said he wasn't sure how Michael would want to be remembered. His brother was too humble to think along those lines, Kevin said. One sure thing is how proud Michael was to be part of the Cardinal Joint Fire District and Youngstown police, he said. Hartzell was a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Canfield.
Addressing his brother, Kevin said finally: "Duty has called you."
Fire chief's memories
Robert Tieche, Canfield fire chief, called Michael caring, cheerful, funny, dedicated, kind, committed, witty and outstanding. None of the descriptions do justice, he said.
The chief said he'd know when Michael had arrived at work when he heard the young man's laugh.
"I feel fortunate I can say Michael Hartzell was my friend and will continue to be my friend," Tieche said.
Two poems -- "The Blue Rose," about a fallen police officer, and "The Policeman's Last Roll Call" -- were read at the cemetery after prayers.
The mayor gave an emotional eulogy. Officers gave a 21-gun salute and played taps.
The Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums played "Amazing Grace." One bagpiper walked away from the formation at the end of the song, still playing, to symbolize the fallen officer.
Hartzell's father, Howard, thanked numerous people from across the community for their support. He said that he was honored to be associated with law enforcement and that he wished he could shake the hand of all who attended.
He asked citizens to support and appreciate law enforcement.
rgsmith@vindy.com