His visitation was held Friday
GLADWIN -- The Gladwin community comes together to remember fallen Michigan State Police Trooper Jeffrey Werda.
NBC25 went to his visitation to hear memories from his loved ones.
Trooper Werda spent the last four years at the Bridgeport Post.
He was a dedicated servant to the community, a loving father and son, and a close friend to many.
“It’s bad. It hurts. Everything is kind of a blur, said Pat Darrow, Werda’s father-in-law.
A somber Friday in Gladwin as family and friends of fallen Michigan State Police Trooper Jeffrey Werda gather for his visitation at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home.
Police say the 43 year old was in Birch Run early Wednesday morning when he responded to a back-up call of a high speed chase.
“He was always there when we needed help, always there to lend a hand, above and beyond the normal call of duty,” said Duane Bean with the Gladwin Police Department.
He was driving west on Birch Run Road when he lost control, rolling the vehicle in Taymouth Township.
He was later pronounced dead.
“Part of me didn't want to believe the news I heard was correct. I was hoping it was a mistake,” said Joseph Rowley, a close friend of Werda’s.
The suspect, Carl Entrekin is facing fleeing and eluding and drug charges.
“To be angry at someone won't bring him back,” said Rowley.
Trooper Werda leaves behind two sons.
“They respected him. They listened to him,” said Darrow.
And he left behind his loving wife Tammy.
“It's a small town and we know we are going to have to be there for her for a lot of things and a lot of time,” said Nancy Kruger who works with Werda’s wife, Tammy.
Trooper Werda's best friends say they'll miss his great sense of humor.
“He always cracked some jokes, and he had that smile that was one of a kind,” said Marty Govitz, a friend of Werda’s.
They’ll never forget his advice.
“It hurts today, but it’s really going to hurt when I need someone to talk to, someone to make that call,” said Rowley.
The owner of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, who was also a close friend of Trooper Werda, says more than 350 people came out Friday to pay their respects. And they traveled from all over the state of Michigan to get there.
Hundreds more are expected at his funeral Saturday, to honor a man everyone says they love and will miss so much.
Trooper Werda's funeral will be held Saturday at Gladwin High School.
It starts at 11 a.m.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made on the Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home's website.
Governor Rick Snyder is expected to attend Trooper Werda's funeral.
Please share your memories or condolences with us about Trooper Werda.
