Family and friends said good-bye to Officer Michael Builta Saturday.

Builta's funeral service was held at First United Methodist Church on North Nevada Avenue at 12:00 p.m.

Officer Builta died in a motorcycle crash on Barnes Road and Tutt Boulevard in Colorado Springs last Monday.

Police say a mini-van turned in front of him. Builta, 34, died of multiple head injuries.

At the service, the family's pastor spoke and letters from Builta's children were read.
"I know a man who was a guard, always protecting everyone, who was loved. I know a man who was the best dad in the world and his name is Michael Builta."

With help from friends, Sheri Builta, Michael's wife read a letter she wrote to her husband.
"Mike, I love you so much, you are my best friend, my everything. You always did your best by us, I promise to do the best in raising our kids. Its hard to lose you physically, but i know in my heart, you are always here with us."

A slide show of Builta with family and friends was shown. The fallen officer was then taken to his final resting place. Builta leaves behind his wife Sheri and 3 kids, Britany, Buela and Tony.

Officer Builta is the third Springs Police Officer involved in an off-duty motorcycle crash, and he is the second to pass away from his injuries.

Colorado Springs Police Officer Michael Builta loved many things in life. Among them, his family, his job and his fellow Blue Knight Riders. At his funeral, the Blue Knights showed him that they all love him too with a memorial.

Builta belonged to the Chapter 6 Blue Knights International in Colorado Springs, but members from chapters around the state poured in to say good-bye.
"It's not just for Mike, it's for his family and it's for the other 60 members in the club, because Mike is not there to help right now and so we have to step up and we have to show the family that we're here for them,"
said Ken Hilte who is President of Colorado Blue Knights Chapter 6.

Many were ready to share their stories about Mike Builta.
"He graciously hosted, as well as his wife, a recent motorcycle run,"
said Laura Schick who Knew Builta.

Mike, Schick says, was their safety man. She said he always had everyone's best interest at heart.

"We were all standing up for something and he just put my daughter on his shoulders so she could see,"
said Bodon Brumbelow who knew Mike for almost three years. Mike was his kid's soccer coach.

"I'm just going to miss him. At soccer games he was just always super fun and always got everyone pumped and just coached the girls hard,"
said Brumbelow. Even after long over night shifts, Brumbelow says, Mike would show up tired, but with a smile.

"It just goes to show you that whether an officer dies on or off duty, we're here to support his family and we're here to support each other,"
said Lt. Sean Mandel of the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Blue Knights International is an organization comprised of retired and current police officers. Builta joined just one year ago.