Bruce St. Laurent: Funeral set for Jupiter officer killed in motorcade, President Obama calls family

JUPITER, Fla. -- The family of Jupiter Police Officer Bruce St. Laurent received a phone call on Monday from President Barack Obama where he personally expressed his condolences, a White House spokesperson confirmed.

In addition, the White House also confirmed President Obama was informed of the incident after Air Force One left Palm Beach International Airport and immediately told White House press secretary Jay Carney  his thoughts and prayers were with the St. Laurent's family.

Funeral services honoring Jupiter Police Officer Bruce St. Laurent, who died while working in President Barack Obama's motorcade Sunday, have also been set for this Friday.

A viewing will be held this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Aycock Funeral Home on 1112 Military Trail in Jupiter.

On Friday, a memorial service with final police honors, will be held at the Christ Fellowship North Campus Church, 5343 Northlake Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens beginning at 11 a.m.

Following the memorial service, a procession will depart to Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Road in Tequesta.

As the investigation unravels and more details surface surrounding the St. Laurent's death, the community he served is trying to come to grips with his passing.

There was a constant flow of people who stopped by police headquarters where they dropped off flowers, lit candles and left behind kind words out of respect.

Those close to St. Laurent pushed back tears as they struggled with the reality of losing their friend.

"Disbelief," said friend Charlie Murphy who choked up when describing his emotions.

Murphy would see St. Laurent at the Jupiter Ale House always sitting in the same spot, always with a smile that was contagious to the room.

"An officer and a gentleman who cared about his community, that's it," said Murphy.

Friends said St. Laurent had just won a tough bout with cancer and was back on the road where he belonged.

"He wasn't a cop, he was a friend and he saved our streets and God took him doing what he did best," said Athena Avendano, a family friend.

It was St. Laurent's work on and off the street the inspired others to follow in his foot steps.

"He would go out of his way personally to help somebody, no matter what it meant to help somebody. Didn't matter what was going on, he'd just be out there helping somebody," said Gene Weiner, a Jupiter Police Explorer.

Others, who passed by the car St. Laurent used, touched it as a way to be close to the one they lost.

"We're going to miss him," said Murphy. "We're going to miss him big time."

Jeff Skrzypek, WPTV, contributed to this report.