Bryan Police Officer Jason James is learning how to cope with the loss of his friend Brian Bachmann.

"You try to stay strong the whole time, you just can't," said James fighting back tears.

With a mourning band around his badge, Jason has stayed strong while on duty but with Brian's death sinking in, it's become tougher.

"When I finally just stop and I get alone by myself that's when it starts hitting and you really start thinking about it," said James.

The pair met in 1999 and serving the community in law enforcement was more than just a job for the friends.

"It's not all about just writing a ticket or taking someone to jail. It's about keeping folks safe and getting to know them so you know who you're helping. He just had the personality and the charisma to talk to folks and have a good time with it," said James.

They both participated in events like "Tip a Cop" and The Special Olympics, but playing the occasional game of golf brought them closer together.

"He enjoyed the game of golf but he wasn't the best at it," joked James. "All he needed was a five iron and a putter and he could play a game of golf."

The moments they shared in life will be remembered forever but dealing with death is bringing together a whole community in support of those who serve and protect.

"The funeral, whenever they do have it, it's going to be tough on a lot of the local guys. I mean this is our family. He was a good man. The stuff he did for the community, he was a good man," said James fighting tears again.

Jason and many other members of local law enforcement agencies have been spending time with the Bachmann family.

According to James, the Bachmann Family is their biggest concern as funeral plans are made for their fallen friend.