From the Johnstown (PA) Tribune-Democrat newspaper:

SALISBURY — Police Officer Richard Brown was laid to rest Friday on a peaceful hillside three days after suffering a fatal heart attack.

Dozens of law-enforcement officials from Pennsylvania and Maryland escorted Brown’s flag-draped casket to Salisbury Cemetery.

Gentle rain fell and the plaintive wail of bagpipes sounded as mourners paid last respects to the longtime lawman, husband and father.

Brown, 56, was officer-in-charge for the Meyersdale Police Department and a Somerset County sheriff’s deputy.

He patrolled the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Brown died Tuesday while playing basketball.

Earl F. Thomas Sr., chaplain of American Legion Post 112 and commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8826, offered a prayer at the gravesite.

“Again you have called another veteran to that realm in the west, beyond the twilight and evening star where beauty and valor dwell forever,” Thomas said. “You have called Richard Brown to everlasting rest.”

A funeral service was held at Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church, where the Rev. Randy Haulk sought to comfort mourners by reading scriptures.

Haulk said God is not distant in times of sorrow and that we can take refuge in him.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble,” he said.

Haulk said he will remember Brown as having the heart of a servant.

“That service he rendered to the community on a daily basis,” he said. “Whether you’re a policeman or fireman, being a servant is a great thing. Any aspect of service rendered is at the heart of Christ.”

He encouraged friends and family to cherish their memories.

“There’s a revelation, as I look out at all the faces, that Rick touched a lot of lives,” Haulk said. “One area of comfort is holding tight to those memories of him.

“I would look up the alley and see Rick playing basketball with the kids. That’s how I remember him.” he said. “I want you to know Rick now is where he was always meant to be.”

Berlin Police Chief Rodger Hutzell, a longtime friend, colleague and fellow Vietnam veteran, said Brown would be greatly missed by fellow officers.

“You can tell by the number of police officers here he’s going to be missed,” Hutzell said. “If you ever needed assistance, Rick was there.”