"Rest in Peace"... Funeral Ceremony Held for the Late Officer Yu Jaeguk, Who Sacrificed Himself

On the 18th, at the funeral service of the late Sergeant Yu Jae-guk held at the National Police Hospital in Songpa-gu, Seoul, fellow police officers are saluting after offering flowers.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Police Lieutenant Yu Jae-guk (39), who died in the line of duty while searching for a jumper in the Han River, bid his final farewell amid the mourning of his family and colleagues.

The funeral service for Lieutenant Yu was held on the morning of the 18th at the Seoul Police Hospital in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Yu’s family and police colleagues shed tears as they honored his dedication to protecting public safety during his lifetime.

Lieutenant Yu, a water rescue officer belonging to the Han River Police Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, tragically died on the 15th while searching for a jumper in the Han River after becoming trapped between the stones of a bridge pier. On the day of the accident, after one search, he decided to dive once more out of consideration for the missing person’s family, which led to the accident.

Lee Yong-pyo, Chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and chairman of the funeral committee, said, "Lieutenant Yu was a model police officer who, during his 13 years in uniform, never hesitated to take on difficult tasks and always led by example, dedicating himself fully to protecting citizens." He added, "On the day of the incident, he was a righteous police officer who jumped into the murky river to find the missing person."

Chief Lee continued, "As the head of the Seoul police, I feel deeply sorry and regretful for not being able to protect him." He said, "Lieutenant Yu demonstrated the utmost courage and spirit of sacrifice that a police officer can show in the face of the selfless duty of a police officer. He will be remembered as a symbol and hero of the police."

Lieutenant Go Geon, a colleague from the Han River Police Unit, delivered a farewell speech, saying, "I regret not stopping him when he said he would dive once more." He swallowed his tears and said, "Thinking about how suffocating and frightening it must have been to be trapped in a confined space makes me very sad and sorry." He pledged, "I hope the nephew who will be born in six months will rest well without worry. As a member of the police family, I will definitely protect him."

Yu’s older brother, Jae-ho, said, "Although my younger brother met with a tragic accident, I am grateful that he was sent off with the comfort of all the police officers." He added, "I will live so as not to bring shame to our police family."

The bereaved family and police colleagues laid flowers before Lieutenant Yu’s portrait, mourning his final journey. As the funeral procession slowly left the venue, police colleagues saluted in unison, sending off their comrade who gave his life for public safety without loneliness.

The police posthumously promoted Lieutenant Yu from Police Sergeant to Police Lieutenant. Lieutenant Yu will be buried at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery.