News 12 at 11 o'clock / Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012

AIKEN, S.C. -- It was an emotional day in Aiken where friends, family and colleagues buried Aiken Public Safety Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers.

"She died for us, loving us, protecting us, serving us," Rev. George Howle said during her service.

Thousands of people packed the USC Aiken Convocation Center to pay respects to a woman who paid the ultimate price protecting them.

"Master Cpl. Rogers is a great officer," said fellow officer Daymon Spann. "She loved her job, she loved her department, she loved her community."

Judging by the streets, her community loved her, too. Thousands more gathered to watch the funeral procession.

"As a citizen of Aiken, and as a person, it's the least I can do," Mary O'Hare said.

Hundreds more shared that same attitude as they filed into Bethany Cemetery, where Sandy Rogers was laid to rest. At the end of the day, Aiken held its second funeral for a fallen officer at the same place in just over a month.

Now, the healing process begins once more for Aiken and those who protect and serve the city.

"We will overcome," said Aiken Public Safety Chief Charles Barranco. "We shall prevail, but we must remain firm in our purpose, and our belief in our community must be unwavering."