Slain Norfolk officer laid to rest

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - It was a gathering of brothers and sisters in blue Saturday at Rock Church in Virginia Beach, as friends and family said goodbye to fallen Norfolk Police Officer Victor Decker. Decker was shot and killed earlier this week. His loss is not only felt by his fellow officers, but by the community he served.

"At 25 years old, Victor Decker did not live nearly long enough, however in his brief time with us he demonstrated why he lived," said Norfolk Police Chief Bruce Marquis.

What Norfolk Police Officer Victor Decker lived for was protecting the community. Decker was killed while off duty, but his loss is felt by everyone.

"It was no doubt that Officer Victor Decker gave his higher importance to the safety of his co-workers and his citizens, then he did for the safety of his own life," said Reverend Patrick Byrd.

Decker spent his police career patrolling the streets of downtown Norfolk. He was well known on Granby Street.

"Last night, was the first Friday night that he (Decker) wasn't down there," said Baxter Simmons, owner of Baxter's Sports Bar. "It's one of those things. You walk around and you expect to see him riding his bike up the street."

Decker's bike sat outside the church, draped in cloth as an honor.

"Victor Edward Decker, I still can't believe this is happening," said sister Bobbi Decker Seed. "You can not be dead. You're only 25."

Seed spoke about how much she misses him. The same is said for an entire community.

"He had so many years to offer the Norfolk Police Department," added Deputy Lioniel Baker with the Norfolk Sheriff's Office. "He was just an all around good person and the city is definitely going to miss him."

Friends say Decker was loving husband and most of all a proud father to his little girl.

"Please wake me up from this horrible nightmare," Seed added.

If Decker was anything, he was a man who no one will forget.

"I have never met anyone younger than me who taught me lessons on how to live and how to love," Byrd said. "We will be forever grateful."

As friends and family said goodbye, the investigation into Decker's death continues. Decker was found shot to death next to his truck along Oceana Boulevard in Virginia Beach, Tuesday.

Police still haven't made any arrests in the case. If you can help, call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.