FBI agent, mother of two, honored at the funeral service: ‘We will never forget you’

FBI agent, mother of two, honored at the funeral service: ‘We will never forget you’

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Schwartzenberger and Special Agent Daniel Alfin were shot dead on Tuesday while serving a federal search warrant at an apartment complex in Sunrise, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. The search warrant was part of an investigation into violent crimes against children and the two agents were part of the agency’s child crime squad at the FBI’s field office in Miami.

A motorcade of police cars escorted Schwartzenberger’s body from the Catholic Church Mary Help of Christians in Parkland to the memorial at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. A memorial service for Alfin is scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm at the stadium.

Along the way, the Plantation Fire Department lined up their fire trucks on an overpass overlooking the procession to greet the dead agent.

The Schwartzenberger flag coffin was transported to the stadium field while the Police Pipe and Drum Corps of Florida bagpipes played. Her husband and two young children followed closely.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Schwartzenberger has taken on one of the bureau’s most difficult roles in investigating crimes against children.

“She was brave in pursuing criminals who sought to hurt the most innocent and vulnerable of us, no matter how dangerous, and she trusted her heart and compassion in small moments when it was most needed,” he said.

Schwartzenberger’s name will be inscribed on the Honor Wall of the office at FBI headquarters, Wray said.

“When we look up and see him, we will remember Laura, in ways big and small, we will remember her love for life and her bright smile, and we will remember her as a dedicated agent, a committed civil servant, and a courageous leader,” said Wray .

Schwartzenberger joined the FBI in 2005 and was assigned to the bureau’s field office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has served in the Miami field office since 2010, according to the bureau.

What we know about the Florida operation that resulted in the deaths of 2 FBI agents

Wray said Schwartzenberger was the first – and so far, the only – female member of the FBI’s SWAT team at the Albuquerque field office. For quality, candidates must complete a series of tests, including doing two push-ups using a 25-pound vest. Schwartzenberger did five, he said.

Longtime friend Brenda Chavez spoke on behalf of Schwartzenberger’s family.

“From the celebration of the birth of our beautiful babies to the revelation of her Disney World wonder, from Laura’s infectious smile to her infectious laugh; so many beautiful memories, ”said Chávez of his friend.

“Laura, you have blessed the life of every person you touched. We will never forget you,” said Chávez, in a shaky voice.

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