It was a sea of blue on Ridge Street in Newark Thursday as police officers honored five fallen heroes.

More than 1,000 police and corrections officers from across New Jersey came out to remember the officers who died in the line of duty. The service was held at Cathedral Basilica of the Scared Heart. Many police officers say law enforcement is a brotherhood and there is a closeness that doesn?t exist with other professions.

Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) says the service is a way to say thank you and to honor those who gave their lives protecting residents. The families of the fallen officers say it was a fitting tribute for the men. Those honored were Orange Detective Kieran Shields, Corrections Officer Wayne Clark, Jersey City police officers Shawn Carson and Robert Nguyen and Watchung police officer Matthew Melchionda.