SOUTHPORT, Ind. (WTHR) - One by one, family, friends and classmates of Officer Breann Leath gathered in the parking lot of Southport High School Wednesday to celebrate her life.
They gathered in a large circle, holding symbols of love - red, white, blue, and black balloons.
"My daughter truly gave her life for this city and would do it for anybody (even if) she didn't even know you. So, be kind to one another, please," said Jennifer Leath, Officer Leath's mom.
"On the count of three we're going to tell Breann we love her, OK?"
As the crowd counted down, they let go of their grief.
"We love you Breann!" yelled the crowd.
"Her energy and her protection is among us," said Kennedy Hampton, Leath's best friend.
Moment after the balloon release, clouds dissipated and the sun emerged.
"I just know that the sun shining shortly after the release was for sure a sign that she was with us and she will always be with us," said Hampton.
As many captured the moment, friends shared memories.
"We had deep conversations, lots of laughter, talks, lots of trips we went on, I'm just going to miss being around her," said Anthony Stubbs, Leath's friend.
"She always made good food. Baked spaghetti was the first thing we had. She loved to sing karaoke. We just always had a blast together. She was truly a beautiful person inside and out," said Elon Scott, Leath's friend.
Leath will continue to send her light and her warmth to those she touched.