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Family, friends remember slain sanitation worker at funeral

PITTSBURGH — There was no garbage collection Tuesday in the city of Pittsburgh. Officials suspended service so workers could attend the funeral of sanitation worker Omar Hodges.

Hodges was shot and killed last week on Birmingham Avenue in Carrick just as he was about to start his shift. Police have not identified any suspects or said if Hodges was the intended target.

On Tuesday, Hodges’ family and friends remembered him as a well-liked guy who would do anything for anyone, including work three jobs to support his family.

Besides the city sanitation, Hodges worked for a school bus company and Triple-A to support his two stepchildren and wife.

Hodges’ brother told Channel 11’s Jennifer Tomazic that Omar was always smiling, no matter what.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto spoke at Hodges’ funeral and called for action in the fight with violence in the city.

“If we’re going to be able to return the type of violence we’re seeing today back to the depths of hell where it belongs, then it will require some type of team effort, the community working with police,” Peduto said.

Peduto said he thinks leaders can help end the cycle of violence.

“I think it would be good for incumbent elected officials to have to attend funerals of those killed by guns to have an understanding of the impact they’re having on our communities,” Peduto said.

Garbage collection will follow a holiday schedule for the rest of the week.

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