WESTERVILLE, OH (WCMH) —  In the sky above St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville Monday, police helicopters practiced the flyover ceremony they will perform at Tuesday’s funeral for Columbus Police SWAT officer Steven Smith.

Smith was shot in the head during a barricade situation in Clintonville April 10. He died two days later.

In a procession of police patrol cars and SWAT vehicles, Officer Smith’s body was transferred from a funeral home in downtown Columbus to the church in Westerville Monday afternoon. Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs was part of the procession. “It’s so gratifying to see so many people saluting, hand over their heart for Steve as we passed by,” Jacobs said. “We truly appreciate all that support. It’s nice to know that it’s there.”

Visitation is Monday from 4pm to 8pm. Tuesday’s funeral is scheduled for 11am. The funeral service will be followed immediately by an honor guard ceremony outside the church that will include a riderless horse, a helicopter flyover and a 21 gun salute.

St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church is the largest in the diocese. The church holds 1600 people and there will be room for 1300 more in overflow areas. Both the church and the City of  Westerville say having Officer Smith’s funeral here is an honor. “It’s a great honor for us to commemorate and celebrate the life of Officer Smith and the great sacrifice that he made for all of our citizens,” said Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer.

RELATED: Funeral arrangements announced for fallen Columbus Police Officer Steven Smith

Road closures are expected in the area during the times of the viewing and funeral.

Tuesday, following the funeral service: N. State St. will be closed from Old County Line to County Line Rd. for approximately 30 minutes.What others are clicking on: