This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

LITTLETON, Colo. — Hundreds of people gathered at Mission Hills Church on New Year’s Day to grieve for fallen officer Zackari Parrish.

Parrish and his family frequented the church. The large worship room was filled to capacity for a candlelight vigil in Parrish’s honor.

His wife, Gracie, spoke briefly to thank the community for its support. She said she will raise their two young daughters to love their father.

She also asked anyone who knew her husband to share stories about him. Those are the stories their children will grow up hearing about their father.

“I am overwhelmed by the love and support by the community and the nation,” she said. “Never in my world would I have imagined this.”

Parrish was remembered as a man of God, a devoted father and husband, and an outstanding law enforcement officer.

One of the most emotional moments happened when a Castle Rock police officer spoke directly to Gracie Parrish.

“Even though you’ve lost a husband, you’ve gained the largest family in the world,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about someone walking these girls down the aisle because we’ll be there.”

Parrish will be buried Friday. The funeral service will be held at Cherry Hills Community Church at 11 a.m.