DEVORE, Calif. (KTLA) — A family who never met fallen Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremiah MacKay explain why they were moved to attend his funeral.

MacKay, 35, was killed in the line of duty last week during a shootout with rogue ex-LAP officer Christopher Dorner at a cabin in Seven Oaks.

MacKay was a 15-year veteran of the sheriff’s department. He leaves behind a wife, Lynette, a 7-year-old daughter and a 4-month-old baby boy.