Hundreds entered the doors of Easthaven Baptist Church Wednesday night to pay respects to a police officer who loved motorcycles, his niece Avery and his job.

Cpl. Zach Moak’s visitation began there 24 hours after the one for patrolman James White. The two Brookhaven police officers were killed Saturday in the line of duty.

Capt. Mark Porter from Station 2 of the Brookhaven Fire Department said he waited in the line to hug Moak’s mother, Vicki Moak, who stood alone near her son’s casket. It was flanked on each side by two honor guards from the New York City Police Department and dozens of flower arrangements.

Porter struck up a friendship with the 31-year-old officer after a few late-night calls they worked together and wanted to come say goodbye.

“He was a real talkative person,” he said. “Once you meet somebody, you know if you’re dealing with a good person.”

Moak was that, he said.

Lawrence County Sheriff Lessie Butler wanted to attend Moak’s visitation because of the brotherhood of the badge.

“He was a law officer out trying to protect and serve and in the process he lost his life,” he said. “Once we put the badge on in the morning time and leave, and have to answer a call, we don’t know what the circumstances are surrounding that call. You don’t know if you’re going to make it back. We don’t never know how it’s going to end. We wanted to be there to let them know we care.”

Visitation will continue today from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service at the church.

Burial will be at Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery in Bogue Chitto. Bro. Dan Perry and Bro. Jeff Davis will officiate the services.

When leaving the church, the procession will head east on Hwy. 84, then left onto Hwy. 51. After it passes the Brookhaven Police Department, the procession will turn right onto Brookway Boulevard, then onto Monticello Street.

It will continue on Monticello Street and turn right onto South First Street. The procession will turn left onto Hwy. 84, then right onto Hwy. 583. It will take a left on to Topisaw Drive at Enterprise Attendance Center then head to Wellman Baptist Church for internment.

Rev. Greg Warnock said First Baptist Church Brookhaven will host a meal for first responders today after the funeral and graveside services.