GRAND RAPIDS — Members of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department recently escorted the remains of Navy Airman Albert “Bud” Rybarczyk from the Grand Rapids International Airport.

Chief Deputy Robert Boyce and Operations Lt. Steve Campbell traveled to Grand Rapids to give a police escort to the hearse that transported Rybarczyk ‘s remains.

“We serve the community in many ways,” Boyce said. “This was the right thing to do and a fitting and appropriate way to honorably transport a fallen member of the greatest generation back to his home for his final rest.”

The motorcade proceeded from Grand Rapids to St. Joseph, and ended at the Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home on Niles Avenue. There, Navy Airman Rybarczyk was accorded full military honors with an escort and burial detail from the Navy Operation Support Center in Battle Creek.

Campbell contacted Gary Blied, who is a volunteer reserve deputy with the department as well as a retired Air Force pilot and currently flies for American Airlines.

“Reserve Deputy Gary Blied joined us at the funeral home and presented the family with a 48-star flag, which would have been the vintage of flag Bud Rybarczyk would have served under during World War II.” Campbell said.  “He also presented the family with a pair of wings from his Air Force uniform which I’m told, is a pilot tradition.”

Burial services took place Dec. 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph.  An interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.