Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – The traditional pomp and circumstance of a funeral service for a slain police officer won’t happen during the funeral for Prince George’s County Police Cpl. Mujahid Ramzziddin Friday.
“Because of the bounds of his faith and his beliefs, those aren’t appropriate ways to honor him,” said Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski.
Stawinski said generally there is a process that goes on for several hours, involving a color guard presentation outside the house of worship and a massive police procession. Instead of that there will be a half-hour service at the Diyanet Center of America in Lanham which will include remarks from two imams, Stawinski and Ramzziddin’s son.
The service starts at 1:30. At 2 o’clock sharp, Stawinski said Ramzziddin’s body will be taken to the cemetery.
Stawinski is asking officers not to come to the Diyanet Center but instead create cordons along Rt 193 and Bladensburg Rd.
“Those cordons will be an opportunity for them to share in his passing, respect him and grieve as he transitions from the service to the internment,” said Stawinski.
The chief said officers should not join the procession but rather leave after the hearse passes and make their way to FOP Lodge 89 for a celebration of life, which will start at 3 p.m.
There will be opportunities for people to speak at the lodge. Ramzziddin’s family will join the group.
A vigil is being planned for next Wednesday.
Ramzziddin was shot to death Wednesday while he was trying to help his neighbor who police say was being threatened by her estranged husband. The suspect was shot and killed by police after a chase.
Copyright 2018 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved (PHOTO: Prince George’s Co. Police)
