RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI) — It was an emotional day as first responders from across the state paid tribute to the Richmond police sergeant who passed away from a sudden illness last week.

Michael Lawing, a 23-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, died just weeks after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.

"It's devastating and surreal in the same breath," Richmond Police Chief Elwood Johnson said of the loss. "We lost a friend, we lost a colleague and we lost a public servant."

"Police officers put themselves in harm's way for others, sometimes for people they don't even know," he continued. "Michael did that every day for 23 years and he did it in a way that left a lasting and positive impression on the community."

Johnson described Lawing as an officer "who was a great person to have on your team."

"There was no task to great for him," Johnson said. "He was really one of the smartest police officers I have ever met."

"There's no way to replace somebody like that," the police chief continued.

Lawing was also a man of many talents, according to the police chief. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Richmond-Carolina Fire Department, where he previously held the rank of lieutenant.

"I think he wanted to share [those talents] with the community for the betterment of others," the police chief continued. "He was a student of life and he usually picked everything up very quickly."

Dozens of officers and firefighters lined up outside the Richmond-Carolina Fire Department Monday morning to honor Lawing's memory. He was laid to rest a short time later at the Rhode Island Veteran's Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.

Though he will always remember him as being selfless and dedicated, Johnson said he will miss Lawing's sense of humor the most.

"He was one of the funniest people I have ever worked with," Johnson said. "He would make you laugh when you needed it the most."

Lawing is survived by his parents Bruce and Laura, his wife Caitlyn and his three children: Grayson, Madison and Morgan.

Johnson said Lawing and his family "will be part of this community forever."

"They're very strong people and are caring for one another," Johnson said of Lawing's family. "He's got beautiful children ... We have their back and will support them well beyond this day."

Lawing was also a regular at Town Pizza II, where he was beloved by the pizzeria's staff. The restaurant is still collecting donations for Lawing's family for those who couldn't attend last week's fundraiser.

His family also created a GoFundMe page to support Lawing's wife and children through the loss. So far, it has raised nearly $40,000.