POST FALLS - A distant siren was briefly heard, followed by the illumination of dozens of red and blue rotating lights. Nearly 40 police and emergency vehicles, lights on, proceeded south across the Spokane Street bridge to Q'emiln Park, where the celebration of life honoring Cliff Hayes was held Saturday afternoon.

The Grand Pavillion was quiet during the cavalcade, and more than 300 people were present to pay their respects. Many were somber and rosy in the cheeks as they listened to several of Hayes' friends and colleagues tell stories and look back on the life of the former Kootenai County clerk and Post Falls Police chief.

"I think Cliff is still pulling some strings up above," said Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, in reference to the graceful Canadian geese that sailed overhead as the parade of vehicles made its way along the route. The procession was led by Hayes' old cream-colored Chevy Malibu that he drove for work for many years.

"He drove that car and he loved that car. We don't know why," Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said with a smile.

News clippings and photos commemorating Hayes' life played on a projector screen while close friends told of funny, touching and inspirational moments they shared with him.

"At one point, I told him he was the fourth police chief I had worked for, but the only one I respected," Post Falls Police Department volunteer Carol Nettles said.

Joe Doellefeld, chair of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, former city councilor and good friend, remembered details from bets he and Hayes made, trips they went on and time they spent hanging out in Hayes' garage.

"He was a fair man, and an honest man, and he was a good friend to most of us, almost all of us," Doellefeld said.

The celebration included brats, beer and beverages provided by Post Falls Community Volunteers. Doellefeld said Hayes would want everyone to enjoy each others' company.

"We're all here in this little building today that he helped create, and I know that the things that were important to him was bringing the community together," Doellefeld said. "That's how we formed this Post Falls Community Volunteers, it was a group of nine or 10 of us that got together to make that happen, and Cliff was instrumental in making sure it happened and it happened well. And also the preservation of the history of our community. Those are important things to him, so help carry on that tradition."