City officials and police officers from around the county joined in mourning of Black Diamond’s Howard “Howie” Michael Koch Dec. 4 as he was led to the Black Diamond Cemetery by an honorary funeral possession.

The 3 year old, known as the “Cancer Ninja” for his fight with cancer, was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma in December 2013. Howie underwent experimental chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer in his eye sockets, cheek bones, skull and joints. His health declined not long after Howie was anointed “Chief for a Day” in August. He died Nov. 28.

The procession, which honored Howie as a Black Diamond Police Chief, left from Weeks’ Funeral Home in Buckley, ending at the Black Diamond Cemetery.

Black Diamond Police Chief Jamey Kiblinger said police officers from 14 different police departments volunteered to take part in the procession.

“Hopefully it was very impactful for the family; everybody coming together,” she said.

Kiblinger has known Howie’s mother, Jenna Rossi, for almost 18 years and became close with Howie, with the sleepy mini officer spending much of the Chief for a Day ceremony sitting in her lap resting his bald head on her shoulder.

“They are just wonderful people,” Kiblinger said.” I wish I had their strength sometimes. You want to help that. You want to make a difference.”

Kiblinger and Howie joined 32 other chronically ill children as Chief for a Day on Aug. 21 He received a ceremonial gold badge, a hand-tailored uniform and partook in various blissfully distracting activities.

Brief updates on Howie’s health were common at City Council meetings. City staff, council members and citizens joined in a moment of silence in Howie’s honor at the Dec. 1 meeting.

Howie’s “Cancer Ninja” Facebook page stated, “cancer did not win. Howie took his wings on his terms, sleeping peacefully in his mother’s arms.”

The city’s Police Officer’s Association wrote that Howie made a strong impression during his short life.

“Although he only survived a short three years, his smile, loving personality, and bravery has reached far beyond the borders of our small town,” wrote Brian Martinez, president of the Black Diamond Police Officers Association. “The Black Diamond Police Officers Association recognizes Howie as a friend and co-worker and an example of courage, bravery, kindness, and love for all law enforcement officers to follow.”

Kiblinger said it’s unfortunate that it takes tragedy to bring people together, but that Howie has left a lasting legacy.

“He was our chief for a day and they are a family that’s been involved in our community for five generations,” Kiblinger said. “That’s what communities do. We pull together and support each other.”

Kiblinger said she was continually inspired when watching Howie remain positive and cheery despite his circumstances.

“You get caught up in life and you forget what’s important,” Kiblinger said. “It puts everything in perspective; puts you in your place.”