Law Enforcement Offers Support After Death Of San Jose Officer
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Bay Area law enforcement gathered in San Jose Wednesday to mourn the loss of the motorcycle police officer who died in a traffic accident while on patrol Tuesday.
It is a sad, tragic tradition. Police chiefs from all across the South Bay show up at the police department the morning after it suffers a loss.
This time, it was San Jose's turn.
From Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's office, officials came to show their solidarity with San Jose police.
"We're here as a group of chiefs to show our support for the San Jose Police Department," said Morgan Hill Police Chief David Swing. "It's a very difficult thing to deal with in our profession."
"This is a chief's worst nightmare that could ever happen," agreed Santa Clara Police Chief Mike Sellers. "And it's very important for all of us to band together to show our support."
"We're definitely standing strong and here for them whenever they need us," said Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner. "And we fully expect to support them over this next week or two."
As word got out about the death of Officer Michael Katherman, a makeshift memorial grew throughout the day at police headquarters.
By mid-morning, fellow officers from the motor unit brought out a motorcycle.
Tuesday night, dozens of officers formed a silent procession to escort Katherman's remains to the coroner's office.
The incident happened Tuesday afternoon when Katherman was on routine patrol on his motorcycle. He was traveling northbound on 10th street near Horning, when a minivan turned left in front of him.
Katherman could not stop in time and struck the minivan.
A Good Samaritan stopped and performed CPR and even used Katherman's own police radio to call for help.
In a statement Wednesday Gov. Jerry Brown said, "Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers mourning the tragic loss of Officer Katherman, who will be remembered for his brave and dedicated service to the community."
Capitol flags were flown at half-staff in honor of the 34-year-old officer, according to Brown.
"On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Michael Katherman, who lost his life in the line of duty," Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement.
"I also extend my thoughts to Chief Eddie Garcia and all the brave men and women of the San Jose Police Department. The people of the state of California will always remember the ultimate sacrifice Officer Katherman made in service of his community," Harris said.
Sgt. Jarrod Nunes, who worked with Katherman years ago, spoke highly of the officer.
"Everybody wanted him on his team because he would bring in these fresh made chocolate chip cookies," said Nunes. "He was somebody who really took their job seriously, but also was friendly and well-liked by everyone."
Katherman's uncle, who did not want to be identified, came out to the scene to try and make sense of it all.
"You can only try and have better things come of it. Maybe slow down a little bit when you're driving," he said. "Maybe spend more time with your kids. Maybe spend more time with your family. He'll be sadly missed. Very stand-up person."
Katherman was an 11-year veteran of the force and had served his entire career with San Jose. He leaves behind a wife and two sons, eight and ten years old.
In a tweet Wednesday morning San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said, "Officer Mike Katherman performed his noble duty to protect & serve until his final moments. Our prayers go to this family, & the SJPD family."
The San Jose Police Officers' Association has setup a fund for Katherman's family. Donations can be made online.
Checks can also be made payable to SJPOACF and sent by mail to the union's office at 1151 N. Fourth St., San Jose, CA 95112.
Anyone with information on the collision is asked to call police Detective Kelvin Pham at (408) 277-4654. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-7867.
San Jose Police say they will announce plans about a funeral and a memorial fund on Wednesday or Thursday.