NYPD motorcyclists lined Sandy Hollow Road Tuesday as far as the eye could see as they saluted the funeral procession of fallen NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos as it arrived at Northport Rural Cemetery.

The 14-year veteran of the force was directing traffic away from a deadly crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens last week when investigators say Jessica Beauvais, of Hempstead, was driving drunk with a suspended license and struck him.

Hundreds if not thousands came out to pay their respects to Tsakos's family. Some mourners knew Tsakos and others just came to show support.

Jeff Craig, who lives just a few blocks away, says he wanted to show his support. His father Joseph Craig was a police officer for more than three decades.

"My dad used to walk out the door for 34 years and his last words were, 'Do what your mother says and keep the faith,'" says Craig.

MORE: Final farewell: NYPD Officer Tsakos honored and remembered as a kind hero at Greenlawn funeral

Dorothy Boyle's husband has been a police officer for more than 35 years.

"This has always been that possibility that lurks in your mind," says Boyle. "So I wanted to be here to support his wife who my heart breaks for today. God bless her and God bless his family."

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea posthumously promoted Tsakos to detective first grade and shared stories of his tireless work ethic. Irene Tsakos remembered her husband as the kindest person she had ever met.

Tsakos leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Craig says all you can do is "hold on to each other. Hold on to your faith."