CINCINNATI — The life of Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson was memorialized Friday in a funeral service that struck a somber, but light-hearted tone.
Henderson was killed in the line of duty on Friday, May 2, after being hit by a car while working a traffic detail at the University of Cincinnati's spring commencement.
Hundreds gathered for his funeral service at the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University.
The funeral included remarks from Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. She spoke broadly about law enforcement to the crowd and the impact Henderson's death will have on his coworkers, friends and family.
"It is now in the brotherhood and sisterhood of our families that deputy Larry Henderson is with us and we are with him," said McGuffey. "Each of us knowing in our hearts we will never walk alone."
Watch Sheriff McGuffey's remarks below:
Lieutenant Dave Downing gave the eulogy for Henderson. Downing trained with Henderson, and for years was his commanding officer.
Downing highlighted Henderson's big heart and personality, playfully labeling him "different."
"His style was very unique, some may say unique and different," Downing said.
Downing said Henderson dedicated his life to service, and there was not enough time to tell all the stories about him.
"Always faithful sums up his life," said Downing.
He said Henderson was always finding ways to provide service to his department and was never one to avoid danger.
"Larry not only accepted dangerous jobs he also took risky positions," said Downing.
Watch Lt. Downing's complete eulogy below:
Downing said Henderson was always making someone smile or laugh in morning meetings. He recalled a particular habit of Henderson's when he would shock his coworkers with "snakebite" attacks, a playful moment in which he would jump out and poke them.
Henderson and his wife had recently begun fostering children, taking on the toughest cases, Downing said. In October 2024, Downing said Henderson joyfully declared he and his wife had brought home their first foster child.
"For nearly two months, Larry and his wife poured their time, energy and hearts into this little girl until one day, with very little warning, she was taken back," said Downing. But Downing said despite that, they immediately put their names back on the list, volunteering for the toughest kids to place.
Watch the start of graveside services below:
He described Henderson as dependable. He said Henderson would relieve the overnight officers by arriving early and saying, "Go home, I got it."
Downing closed out his eulogy with the same message for Henderson: "Go home, I got it."
Henderson served for 33 years at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. He began as a corrections officer and then became a patrol officer. He served as a dive team member and on the HCSO bomb unit.
He also worked part-time at Mercy Health Anderson Hospital and spent nearly 20 years volunteering to work security detail for the UC football team.
His obituary recalls how he was more than just a law enforcement officer; he was also a Marine who enjoyed fishing and rescuing pit bulls.
Hear Henderson honored with a 21 gun salute, followed by taps:
"Larry wasn't just a great deputy; he was a great man, a father and a friend," Henderson's obituary reads.
Henderson retired in December but returned to work on special events, such as graduation traffic.
He leaves behind a wife, five children and four grandchildren.
Rodney Hinton Jr. is accused of intentionally crashing his car into Henderson, who was working a traffic detail during UC graduation on May 2.
Listen to Henderson's last call below:
RELATED: Read more about deputy Henderson's impact on the Tri-State:
- Anderson Twp. Marine veteran on late deputy Larry Henderson’s influence
- Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey remembers former deputy hit, killed
- CPD chaplain, law enforcement prepare to pay final respects to fallen deputy
- Hamilton County deputy run down by driver remembered for decades of service
- Hamilton County sheriff's deputy remembered as astute officer, even better human
- Where and how you can donate to the family of Hamilton County deputy hit, killed
