Slain Darby Borough Officer Mark Hudson laid to rest

Annie McCormick Image
Saturday, April 4, 2015
VIDEO: Slain Darby Borough officer laid to rest
Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to a Darby Borough police officer who was shot and killed inside his own home a week ago.

COLLINGDALE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to a Darby Borough police officer who was shot and killed inside his own home a week ago.

Officer Mark Hudson was remembered as a man who lived according to a code of service, both in uniform and in his life.

Saturday at St. Joseph's Church in Collingdale, Delaware County, family, friends and the community gathered to honor the 26-year-old.

His family was touched by the service that included both law enforcement and firefighters from across the region.

"We just lost a great, great person, he was a good, good guy," said one relative.

Husdon was fatally wounded last Saturday inside his Glenolden home while off-duty.

Authorities say he was trying to break up with his girlfriend Tyaina Finch when she allegedly shot and killed him.

Finch faces charges including 1st and 3rd degree murder.

27-year-old Tyaina Finch is facing 1st and 3rd degree murder and related charges in the death of her boyfriend, Officer Mark Hudson.

Hudson was the ultimate public servant. He he began his career as a volunteer firefighter when he was just 16 in Yeadon.

"He's done more in 26 years than most people do in a lifetime so I just think legacy of community, legacy of giving back," said Kelly Cornish.

The chiefs of both the Yeadon Fire Company and the Darby Borough Police Department took to the podium to share their memories.

"He was a shining example of what a patrol officer and a firefighter should be - confident, courageous, tenacious, tough, brave," said Chief Robert Smythe, Darby Borough Police.

"He taught them how to care and how to be good people, both at the firehouse and in life in general," said Chief Michael Dilenno, Yeadon Fire Co.

Hudson's family requested the hymn Amazing Grace to be played.

Hudson donated his eyes and the lyrics, "I once was blind, but not I see," mean more than ever for their brother and son, who even in death continued to help others.