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Memorial Held For Jefferson County Deputy Killed In Crash

BROOMFIELD, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - Thousands of people, including fellow law enforcement officers, turned out Monday to honor a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy who was killed in a motorcycle crash.

During the service at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Sgt. David Baldwin's pastor recalled how he cared for his first wife, Stephanie, during her two-year battle with cancer. His second wife, Crystal, shared his love of motorcycles.

Sgt. David Baldwin, Sheriff Ted Mink
Sheriff Ted Mink, left, and Sgt. David Baldwin, right (credit: CBS)

Baldwin was killed when the driver of an SUV was trying to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone on Highway 93 on Jan. 26 and hit Baldwin's motorcycle.

The 27-year veteran of the department was on duty and wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries.

Jefferson County Ted Mink also said Baldwin died while doing two things he loved -- serving his community and riding his motorcycle.

"Dave wore that badge with pride, humility and purpose. He understood what that badge meant," Mink said.

At the service there was a promise there would be lots of laughter, because humor and joy were so important to Baldwin. He loved games, but most of all, he loved his family.

His son also spoke during the service. While he and Baldwin's widow said it was painful to speak about his life, they said they wanted everyone to know the real Dave Baldwin, the man they adored.

"When I try to look for words that embody my dad's character, I quickly have a list of words that describe what I'd like to be as a man. Strong, fun, hard working," said Baldwin's son.

"It's really important to us that we celebrate Dave's life together tonight and forever because that's what he was about," said Baldwin's wife.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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