Dubbo "stopped" on Monday to give a fitting and final farewell to all-around good guy and police officer Peter Ensor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
His loving family has been overwhelmed by hundreds of tributes to a humble and funny man "who touched so many lives".
NSW Police ran a "full protocol funeral" including a guard of honour and the escorting of the hearse carrying Mr Ensor's body to the Western Districts Memorial Park.
About 1200 mourners turned out to St Brigid's Catholic Church for the funeral.
Dubbo City Bowling Club hosted the wake where Peter's uncle, retired Detective Sergeant Greg Salmon, said there were "so many people that you could not have fallen over".
On Wednesday Mr Salmon and his wife Melissa told of a "hugathon".
"If there is anything positive to come out of this it was the love in the room not just for Peter but colleagues and friends who are helping each other get through this," Melissa Salmon said.
READ ALSO:
Born and raised in Dubbo, Peter James Ensor's death in Fiji on April 4 was "unexpected and tragic".
Grief has rippled through the community no more so than on Monday when police and community members lined Brisbane street and the hearse travelled past the police station where flags were flying at half-mast.
Outside the CBD there were more people paying their respects and removing hats for a man who at every step put the community first, including the night of the Gordon Estate riot in 2006.
Mr Ensor received a commissioner's unit citation for professionalism after the riot which he never discussed.
"He wouldn't bang his own drum," Mr Salmon said.
"More so, he was quiet and respectful of others and compassionate with people with problems."
Beyond work the 50-year-old detective senior constable, a diligent forensic investigator, made community connections through cricket, cycling and playing his guitar in bands.
"Everything he wanted to do he did well," Mr Salmon said.
"He was gifted when it came to sport but everything else came from just persistent and hard work."
The devoted father of one would have "shook his head" at the outpouring of grief.
"The whole of Dubbo stopped and gave him the send-off he deserved," Mrs Salmon said.
"He would never have thought that he meant that much to so many people."
The eulogy was delivered by Mr Salmon and cousin, Senior Constable Lisa Horton, who told her colleagues "what we do is unique and it takes its toll".
In lieu of flowers, mourners donated about $1200 to the Black Dog Institute.
Peter Ensor is survived by his wife Michelle and son Luke, a cycling star in the western region.
People in need of help can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.