Funeral held for Merrillville Police Officer Nick Schultz

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) -- Thousands of people gathered Monday for the funeral of Merrillville Police Officer Nick Schultz, killed in the line of duty.

Officer Schultz, 24, was fatally shot while responding to a call at an apartment complex on September 5. The gunman, Michael Hrnciar, 33, then shot himself.

Hundreds of men and women in uniform from nearby cities and towns paid their respects to Schultz's family at the officer's funeral at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Ind.

"It was no surprise to many when they learned that Nick was the first officer to approach the door," Father Peter Muha said.

"We will never be able to fully repay the debt we owe Officer Schultz for the service he gave to this city and to the state, but we can honor him," Ind. Gov. Mike Pence said.

After the services, people lined the route as law enforcement officials escorted the casket from the Radisson Star Plaza, past the Merrillville Police Department, where he worked for less than a year, and on to Lowell Memorial Cemetery.

"They haven't just lost a partner. They've lost a brother. A fellow friend. Family member. And it's not just from the Merrillville department. Obviously they're the ones that are hurting the most. They're the ones that worked with Nick, day in and day out. Went out on those calls with Nick. So, they're hurting," Joe Hamer, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, said.