'Fallen but not forgotten'

Dozens of ordinary people paid their last respects and the chief executive led senior government and police officials in somber ceremonies for marine officer Lam Yuen-yee, who was killed during an anti-smuggling accident in September.

Chief police inspector Lam, 37, was laid to rest in Gallant Garden at Wo Hop Shek Cemetery for civil servants who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor attended the full-honor traditional and police force ceremonies along with Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung and Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee at Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom.

Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying and representatives from the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong garrison were also present, along with several Executive Council members and lawmakers.

While the ceremony was not open to the public, dozens of people gathered near the entrance of the mortuary, including a retired police officer who had worked with Lam.

"She was a good person and I've never heard anyone say anything bad about her," the man said as he described Lam as a brilliant officer who was friendly and optimistic.

Another in the crowd said: "She was serving the public and lost her life."

A photo of Lam dressed in a police uniform was placed at the center of the mourning hall. Hundreds of wreaths were placed at the funeral parlor, including those from police departments, other disciplined services and government departments.

A Hong Kong flag was draped over her coffin, which officers carried to a hearse - a police vehicle decorated with flowers.

Some of in the crowds waved at the cortege as it drove by.

The cortege proceeded to the Small Boat Division, Government Dockyard and Stonecutters Island, before heading to Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek, where the burial service was held.

The force also posted a photo of the hearse, with hashtags that said "see you in the stars" and "fallen but not forgotten."

The police's Facebook page said. "May the breeze carry the tune of bagpipes, part the clouds and clear a path for your way home."

Lam, who was married with no children, joined the police force in 2007 and had 14 years of police work experience. She had cracked major smuggling cases over the years, including one involving HK$37 million worth of animals and goods in August.

She was leading an operation on September 25 in Sha Chau, where her marine police vessel chased a speedboat suspected of smuggling tonnes of frozen meat.

The suspected smugglers suddenly made a 90-degree turn and rammed Lam's boat, causing her and three colleagues to fall into the sea.

Lam's body was found near the shore at Yi O on Lantau Island two days later. Her three colleagues were rescued.

carine.chow@singtaonewscorp.com

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