POLICE and water polo figures formed a guard of honour that stretched more than 100 metres as Albury officer Detective Senior Constable Marg Saunders was farewelled on Friday.
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Up to 1000 mourners were estimated to have attended the full police funeral held under gum trees in Albury's Hovell Tree Park.
Detective Senior Constable Saunders' husband Rob Moran noted the enormity of the gathering as he began his tribute alongside their daughter Majella Moran.
"I knew it would be and it's big," Mr Moran said.
Rows were filled with uniformed police and scores of seats were graced by Albury water polo clubmates of Margi.
Albury Acting Superintendent Owen Hill uttered a valedictory.
"She has been described by many current and former colleagues as a brilliant detective, a mentor and a friend who didn't suffer fools," Superintendent Hill said.
"She has also been described as an inspiration, a legend and a role model to junior police and those embarking on a career in criminal investigation."
Superintendent Hill said Detective Senior Constable Saunders' contribution to her community was "invaluable".
"It is with profound sorrow that I, on behalf of the NSW police force and the people of NSW, extend my deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful woman," he said.
Detective Senior Constable Saunders' police jacket, identity card and badge were mounted in a frame alongside the lectern.
An accompanying plaque noted her "38 years distinguished service to the New South Wales Police Force 04/08/1981 - 28/09/2019".
Mr Moran and Ms Moran gave touching personal tributes.
"We eloped, fantastic time," he said of their wedding aboard a yacht in the Whitsundays.
"Margaret and I were the perfect match."
Ms Moran said her mum was "just the best" and a "shining example of how to be an exceptionally good person".
"She made sure that I know that it is always five o'clock somewhere and that making time to fold the washing is infinitely less important than making time for cheese and wine with friends," she said.
Jane Saunders outlined the challenges her sister had in Sydney following her graduation from the police academy days before turning 19.
"One story in The Rocks was running through The Pancake Parlour, with the skirt hitched, and all diners stopping to applaud the female cop as she ran through with her skirt up around her hips," Ms Saunders said.
She also told mourners in her tribute that guns were hidden in shirts and batons carried in handbags.
"Her passing out parade in 1982 was a day of great pride for our whole family, surpassed only by the pride we feel today, knowing what a stellar career she has had and the extremely high esteem she is held in by both the police and general community," Ms Saunders said.
"She fought the good fight, saw wrong and dedicated herself to righting it."
Detective Senior Constable Saunders was the fourth of 11 children and raised in the northern Sydney suburb of Ryde.
After serving in Sydney stations, she came to Albury in 1986 and met Mr Moran who ensured she remained on the Border.
Friends and former housemates Helen Stewart-Hawkins and Chris Frost reflected on the good times they had enjoyed together using the initials of her name.
"A is for the recent aeroplane pilot lessons, now you can fly like the angel you are Marg," Ms Frost said.
Readings from psalm 23 and Corinthians were given by Detective Senior Constable Saunders' mother Peg and sister Jennifer.
Colleague Senior Constable Louise Smurthwaite read the police ode.
"Rest in peace, friend and colleague, for the sun has now set," she said.
Following the song Eye of the Tiger blaring, the guard of honour lined Hovell Tree Drive as police motor bikes and a drummer led away Detective Senior Constable Saunders' hearse to her final rest.
