CINCINNATI — People from all across the state came together Thursday to lay Springfield Township Police Officer Tim Unwin to rest. Memories of the fallen officer were shared during the funeral.

What You Need To Know

  • A funeral was held for Springfield Township Police Officer Tim Unwin on Thursday

  • He died during a car crash last week while trying to respond to help another officer

  • Dozens of police departments from across the state came out to support him

  • Many described him as a hard-worker and someone with integrity

“Tim was a loving son and brother,” said Rick Bley, Springfield Township Police chief. “He made everyone smile with his antics. He truly made everyone a better person.”

Bley thought highly of Unwin and loved having him on his team, and it wasn’t just his personality that he enjoyed — it was his work ethic as well.

“We know he put his blood, sweat and tears into everything that he did," Bley said.

Bley was one of dozens to attend Unwin’s funeral on Thursday. The event comes nearly a week after Unwin’s death. He died during a car crash while trying to respond to help another officer. The crash involved himself and another driver, William Dunson, who also died.

“It's been the hardest week of our lives,” he said. “It tested our faith to the fullest.”

But despite the tragedy, family and friends are determined to keep his spirit alive. Longtime friend and colleague officer Justin Aichele hopes his love and legacy will live on.

“He left a lifelong impact,” said Aichele. “His kindness, humor and boundless energy made others around him exhibit those exact qualities. He truly made the world a better place.”