The Tampa Bay area and law enforcement brethren from across the state said goodbye Saturday to fallen Tarpon Springs police Officer Charles Kondek in a moving and powerful ceremony.

Kondek's funeral at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz was open to the public and drew thousands. Bay News 9 broadcast it live.

Speakers included two pastors, Tarpon Springs Police Capt. Robert Kochen and two other members of the department and Kondek's youngest daughter, 15-year-old Aleena.

Kondek, 45, was fatally shot after he responded to a noise complaint outside an apartment building. He was a father of six, a 17-year member of the Tarpon Springs force and a former New York City policeman.

Marco Parilla Jr.,  a convicted felon, was arrested in the shooting and charged with first-degree murder.

A motorcade, including Kondek's remains and family, arrived at the church around 9:30 a.m. Mourners soon filled the church.

The service opened with a lone bagpipe player and then an introductory prayer by Ken Whitten, senior pastor at Idlewild. Sgt. Michael Trill of the Tarpon Springs Police Department read scripture and then Kondek's daughters Aleena and Holly took the podium.

Aleena spoke, holding her composure courageously, while Holly intermittently smiled and teared up as her sister gave a touching tribute.

"My dad was a phenomenal father, husband and, of course, police officer," Aleena said. "My dad died as a hero, but he was my hero before any of yours."

Aleena spoke of the loving relationship her father had with her mother, Teresa, and said she never saw two people more happy than her parents.

"My dad loved my mom with all his heart," she said. "It didn’t matter if my mom was sad, angry or frustrated. My dad would find a way to make her smile.

"They finished each other’s sentences and would even call each other at the same time," Aleena said. "My mom lost her best friend and the love of her life., No matter where I went with my parents, my dad would hold my mom’s hand. Even if it was in the car, walking or even in the store. I’ve never seen two people more  happy than my parents.

Aleena recalled a Spongebob dance her dad did at her second-grade orientation and how, if she was upset, he sat at the end of her bed and made funny faces until she smiled.

She said he was a terrible cook, "but we loved him for trying."

"Speaking for my siblings, he treated us all the same. He loved us hard, gave us all that he had and never complained. He cried when we cried. He wasn’t afraid to love us more than he loved himself."

Tarpon Springs Police Chief Robert Kochen said police work was a calling for Kondek, whom colleagues knew as Charlie K. "It's who we are, not just what we do," Kochen said.

"Charlie spent 22 years helping others, enforcing the law, maintaining order, showing compassion to victims, facing danger, protecting his community. He sacrificed family time, he sacrificed holidays, he sacrificed sleep."

Kochen noted that he and Kondek liked classic rock and the band AC/DC.

"When I was a sergeant on the road working with Charlie, if an AC/DC song came on the radio, I could be sure to hear over my mic, 'six-oh-four,' that was my call sign, followed by 102.5 or whatever radio station it was on," he said.

After the church service, family and thousands of officers attending moved outside for a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps and a helicopter flyover by the Hillsborough and Pasco sheriff's offices' helicopters.

A procession then ran north on Dale Mabry Highway to Lutz-Lake Fern Road, down Tarpon Avenue to Alternate U.S. 19 and through the city of Tarpon Springs. A private burial service was held at Grace Memorial Cemetery in Hudson

Kondek lived in Pasco County with Teresa and the five children who were theirs together. The officer was known as "Charlie K" by colleagues and had a reputation for being friendly and professional in his interactions with the public.

Included in Kondek's personnel file was a letter written to the police department by a woman to whom Kondek gave a ticket after a car crash. It said, in part: "He was very kind and helpful. My cellphone ran out of power and he made calls to my insurance, tow service and my husband. He is a good officer and a kind gentleman."

Business owners around the Sponge Docks said Kondek sincerely cared about their concerns. They said Kondek made regular visits to the businesses, established personal relationships with proprietors and left his business card on the door when no one was around.

The officer is also remembered for mentoring young people who grew up in drug-riddled neighborhoods.

Kondek is the first Tarpon Springs police shot and killed in the line of duty since 1926.

Community members show support for Kondek

Members of the community turned out Saturday to pay their respects to the fallen officer.

Hundreds of cars lined the streets of Lutz into Tarpon Springs as the hearse carrying Kondek's remains made its way from the church to his final resting place.

Keli Harrelson was among those who came out to honor Kondek. She decorated her business to pay tribute to him.

"We wanted to show our support for the great loss his family has had," she said.

Harrelson tied blue ribbons, hung American flags and displayed bright blue balloons Saturday on her business on Tarpon Avenue, hoping Kondek's family, if only for a moment, was able to see just how much his sacrifice means to the community.

"Didn't know him, never heard his name, but we need to show our support for our community," she said.

Overcome with emotion, Harrelson and her friends supported Kondek and his family the only way they know how.

"It's a tragedy and we want his kids to know that it wasn't for anything," Pamela Aide said. "It wasn't for nothing."

Family statement, read by Pasco County Clerk Paula O'Neil

"We miss him so much. Charlie was our best friend. His heart was wide open. He loved Christmas and his excitement would fill the house every year as he played Christmas carols and announced that Santa has come. Opening Christmas gifts without him this year was unbearable, knowing that the gifts we received from him would be our last.

"The sergeants, captains and detectives and officers of the Tarpon Springs Police Department, as well as the chief and sheriffs, have been supportive beyond measure. They and many of the spouses have helped each one of us in many ways, including finishing Christmas shopping, grocery shopping and, sadly, preparing our children to say goodbye to their father.

"Giving him back to God is the hardest thing we’ve ever done. We feel empty without him. The outpouring of support from strangers have helped us realize the impact he had and how respected he was in the community. Thank you for loving him and extending that love to all law enforcement professionals. Please help us return to a world that respects and appreciates the men and women who protect us. From Charlie’s wife, children and family."

Classic car and motorcycle benefit announced

Hellions Car Club will host a classic car/motorcycle show benefit for the Kondek family on Jan. 11. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tarpon Tower, 905 East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Tarpon Springs.

The benefit is open and free to the public. Car and motorcycle participants are being asked to make a $10 donation.

There will be live music, vendors and raffles. The Police Benevolent Association team will be on  hand selling memorial T-shirts.