Local police honor fallen Virgin Islands officer

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Fla. (WSVN) -- South Florida police officers honored a fallen Virgin Islands officer who spent a month fighting for his life.

A tribute was held for Virgin Islands police officer Colvin Georges on Thursday.

The men and women in blue share a special bond that extends beyond their respective departments. "Internationally or locally, we are like brothers at arms, so we show support in that area," said an officer.

Georges had only been a law enforcement officer for a few years when he was shot in the line of duty last summer.

A bullet to his neck paralyzed him, and he was transferred to South Florida for treatment. "He loved his job. He's been an officer for three years," said Fiancé Camilla Thompson. "All he talked about was moving up to sergeant."

Georges spend the last four months of his life hospitalized but passed away on Sept. 9.

Since Georges arrived to South Florida, his loved ones said he was never alone. "When all the officers came to visit him, he would tell me he's a celebrity now. Before, he would say, nobody knew him," said Thompson.

After officer Georges passed away, support from local police intensified. "We are so thankful for the South Florida police department for all they've done, for all their support. We really do appreciate it," said cousin Gina Charles.

Officers escorted Georges body from the funeral home in Hollywood to Miami International Airport.

As his casket was loaded on a plane, police officers stood at attention. Before take off, officers saluted again with water cannons. "It's our duty when somebody sacrifices everything they have, as he did. He sacrificed his life," said Miami-Dade Police Chief Juan Perez. "At the end, it's our duty to step up to the plate and make sure the family is taken care of."

Officer Georges' funeral is scheduled for Saturday in the Virgin Islands.

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