A funeral was held at The Potter's House Church on Thursday for Officer Alex Arango and his mother Carmen.
Alex died of COVID-19 and three days later Carmen Arango also died of COVID-19. Both had been hospitalized in the ICU together.
Alex contracted COVID while on duty. His mother lived with him, family told WFAA.
The funeral Thursday took place at 11 a.m. at The Potter’s House in Dallas, which was limited to 25% capacity, or about 2,000 people.
Alex and Carmen Arango were escorted from the Mount Olivet Funeral Home through Everman and to The Potter's House Thursday morning.
Arango's final patrol passed through the City of Everman around 8 a.m.
“The idea of the procession actually came from the citizens of Everman,” Everman Chief of Police Craig Spencer said. “They want to show this family as much love and support as they possibly can.”
Attendance at the funeral was limited to family, friends, law enforcement, and first responders, according to a Facebook post from Everman Emergency Services.
Masks and social distancing were also enforced.
Several family members spoke during Thursday’s ceremony.
“Mom enjoyed the holidays, especially making her famous, homemade stuffing for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Danet Arango-Henry said. “We will definitely miss that this year.” Arango-Henry is Carmen’s youngest child and Alex’s little sister.
“COVID, you picked the wrong family. So if my family’s story can help in any way, which is what (Alex and Carmen would’ve wanted), maybe they can be the face to help find a cure or to maybe help change some policies,” Alex Arango’s daughter said.
“Strong, tender-hearted, supportive, trusting, understanding, brave, respected, watchful, teacher, inspiring, hard-working, grateful, generous, and devoted. These words and many more describe Alex,” Spencer said.
During Thursday’s ceremony, Spencer announced the posthumous promotion of Officer Alex Arango to Sgt. Alex Arango.
A private graveside service for the immediate family took place after the service.