A wake service was held Friday for Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson.

Hundreds attended the service at the Christian Culture Center in Brooklyn. Many mourners say they waited more than an hour to get inside the center to pay their respects.

Thompson died of cancer Sunday, less than a week after revealing his diagnosis to the public. He was 50 years old.

Thompson is described by colleagues and friends as a trailblazer. He was the first black district attorney in Brooklyn and the creator of the Conviction Review Unit. He was also a pioneer in his refusal to prosecute low-level marijuana offenses.

"Ken Thompson was a man of impact. He, in a relatively short period, really changed the dynamic of law enforcement and holding people accountable at all ends and all levels," says former New York City Comptroller John Liu.

Funeral services for Thompson will be held Saturday at the same location from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.