LAKELAND, Fla. — Funeral services have been held for Lakeland motorcycle officer Paul Dunn, who was killed in a crash on his way to work last Thursday.

The service attended by thousands of people including many other motorcycle officers from around Florida was held at the Lakes Church in Lakeland. 

Dunn is a former Marine who had a tough-as-nails exterior. 

“If someone didn’t know Paul often they would think he was very intimidating, and you can’t blame them,” said Ocee police officer Ross Addeo who became close friends with Dunn when Dunn worked as an officer in Ocoee. “If you look at a picture of Paul when he’s not smiling he does look intimidating.”

But Dunn was also known for his big smile and big heart. He went out of his way to help fellow officers and tried to treat residents with compassion.

“This was the kind of caring man that Paul was. Hardened enough to be a soldier. Softened enough to effect lives in the most compassionate ways,” said fellow Lakeland officer Jason Perez. 

“Paul you were as close to me as a brother as it gets. You’ll never be replaced. You’ll never be forgotten,” said Addeo at the funeral. 

Dunn leaves behind a wife, two sons and a daughter along with two step daughters. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash.