Memorial Held For Detective

PORTLAND - A line of 80 police cars and motorcycles, red and blue lights flashing, rolled slowly through the city yesterday to a memorial service honoring police Detective Sue Hill, a victim of TWA Flight 800.

Hill, a 22-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, was the city's first female homicide detective.

She had long been planning an extended vacation in Paris, the destination of the jetliner that exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, friends said.

All 230 people aboard the TWA flight were killed. About 131 bodies have been recovered and identified. Hill's was not among them.

"Her trip to Paris has turned into a ride to heaven," said friend Detective Ed Stelle.

More than 2,000 people filled the pews at New Hope Community Church, where friends and city leaders spoke in tribute. They talked about her attention to duty, her energy and her sensitivity, as they looked out over a sea of blue uniforms.

"We're a close family, we've got to take care of each other," Officer Bob Day said. "Even though Sue didn't die in the line of duty, we have a lot of respect for what she's done at the Portland Police Bureau, and that's why we're here."

Bagpipes played during the service, which was followed by a gun salute and the playing of taps.