The body of LAPD officer and Marine Staff Sargeant Joshua Cullins, 28, of Simi Valley, arrived at LAX Thursday from Afghanistan where he was killed by an IED. Brother Donovan Cullins hugs his mother Barbara, while his father Jim hugs younger brother Cooper. (Robert Casillas / Staff Photographer)

The body of a Los Angeles police officer and Marine Corps reservist killed in Afghanistan arrived Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport, where it was met by mourners and an honor guard.

Reserves Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Cullins, a 28-year-old bomb specialist, was killed Oct. 18 in a roadside blast in Afghanistan.

The volunteer Angels Flight aircraft was met by honor guards from the LAPD and the Marine Corps.

The flag-draped casket was removed from the plane and a brief private ceremony was held next to the aircraft for Cullins' family members, with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.

Cullins had disarmed roadside bombs in Iraq as well as in Afghanistan. Two months ago, while serving in Afghanistan, he survived a roadside explosion that left him with a concussion.

He had two days left in the field as an explosive ordinance disposal technician when he was killed while investigating a bomb. He was scheduled to be home by Christmas.

An LAPD officer for three years, Cullins patrolled downtown and his goal was to join the department's bomb squad.

A viewing is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the downtown Police Administration Building, 100 W. First St. A nondenominational memorial service and honors ceremony will be held Wednesday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St.