DALLAS _ Dallas Police Officer Greg Valtadoros first met Michael Krol in Detroit, where both were from. Krol and Valtadoros wanted to be cops and were interviewing for the same job in law enforcement.
Soon after, Valtadoros came to Dallas to start at the police academy. So did Krol.
"Hey bud," Krol said when he saw Valtadoros at the academy. The two became fast friends.
At a service honoring Krol on Friday, Valtadoros told a crowd of a few thousand at Prestonwood Baptist Church that he'll remember his friend's infectious smile and contagious laugh.
The service for Krol, one of five officers killed in last week's ambush in downtown Dallas, was closed to media. Those inside the massive sanctuary said the mood was somber, but still reflected Krol's cheerful reputation. Valtadoros' tribute in particular, attendees said, allowed officers in the crowd to laugh after a long week of funerals.
"I wish I could've done more for him," Valtadoros said. "Krol was a very good guy."
He said the pair would often go to Cafe Brazil in Dallas for breakfast after a long shift, just to talk and laugh. Often, he said, there wouldn't be any particular reason for Krol's laughter, but it would spread to those around him.
"This job is stressful," he said. "We were there for each other."
Attendees said Krol's girlfriend, Marie Tijerina, shared stories about their relationship and said she wished there were cellphones in heaven. She said he taught her not to be afraid of guns and celebrated with her when she received her license to carry.
Other speakers at the service included Dallas Police Chaplain Mike Middlebrooks and the Rev. Jarrett Stephens. Among the attendees were Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Mayor Mike Rawlings, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Sheriff Lupe Valdez.
Krol's family plans to "bring him home" to Michigan for another funeral and burial, his mother, Susan Ehlke, told The Dallas Morning News last week.
