Friends, family and fellow police officers paid their final respects Wednesday to a Newark police sergeant who was killed in the line of duty.

The funeral for Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio was held at Sacred Heart Basilica on Clifton Avenue. Hundreds of comrades turned out to remember Popolizio and support his family. The 12-year veteran of the force was a native of Newark. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Popolizio was killed Saturday during a high-speed chase of a drag racing suspect. William Rodriguez was charged with manslaughter in connection with Popolizio?s death. Prosecutors say charged could be upgraded to murder if the case goes before a grand jury.

Related Information:Accused escape artist pleads not guilty in Newark officer's death Friends, family begin saying goodbye to Newark cop killed on duty Newark cop dies after crash chasing carjacker suspect