Hundreds of police officers joined family and friends Wednesday in Midtown to remember an NYPD detective recently killed in Afghanistan. NY1's Roger Clark filed the following report.

As a bugler played taps, 4-year old Ryan Lemm saluted his father, Detective Joseph Lemm, who was headed to his final resting place in an American flag-draped coffin.

"He was a good guy," said John Giudice, who served with Lemm. "He'd give the shirt off his back. He'd do anything to help you."

Lemm was remembered by family, friends and co-workers during services at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The 15-year NYPD veteran was killed four days before Christmas when a suicide bomber attacked his patrol in Afghanistan, where he was serving as a sergeant with the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing. Five other U.S. troops were also killed.

"It's emotional for everybody because you work with these guys and you go out with them, you drink with them, you train with them. So of course it's emotional," said Anthony Kavouras of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing.

Lemm grew up in Nebraska but followed his dream to become a New York City police officer. He became a detective working with the Bronx Warrants Squad, earning the nickname Superman from co-workers. Many were on hand to say farewell.

Police Commissioner William Bratton said he was a hero when his city and country needed one.

Fellow officers from around the country came to St. Pat's to pay tribute.

"Basically come out here and give support to the officers of New York," said Juan Gali of the Chicago Police Department.

Lemm was also eulogized by the mayor during the mass celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the pastor from Lemm's church in Westchester County.

The 45-year-old loved hunting and fishing, playing basketball, and spending time with family and friends.

"You know what? He was always smiling," Kavouras said. "He was the happiest guy you'd ever want to see."

Lemm was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade. He leaves behind his wife and a teenage daughter, in addition to his son. The commissioner told them the NYPD will never forget them or the sacrifice of Joseph Lemm. The commander of the state's national guard called Lemm a true blue American hero.