Law enforcement officials across the Bay Area and beyond came together Tuesday to pay their respects and offer a final salute to San Jose police Officer Michael Katherman. The memorial service for the motorcycle officer killed in the line of duty last week took place at SAP Center and was open to the public.
Police officers from Mountain View, San Leandro, Santa Clara and many others joined the memorial service to honor the fallen officer.
San Mateo PD tweeted a photo of police motorcycles stating, “SMPD motors honored the life of @SanJosePD Motor Officer Michael Katherman. Rest easy Sir we have the watch. ”
Katherman, 34, an 11-year veteran of the force, died June 14 after a minivan collided with his motorcycle on 10th Street in San Jose. He leaves behind a wife and two young sons.
The tweets in honor of the officer didn’t end there — people throughout the Bay Area shared their support and respects to the officer’s family.
“Never easy to #saygoodbye. Thank you Officer Katherman for being a #hero,” tweeted Amber Balestrieri, a Bay Area local.
During the memorial service there was a fully staffed law enforcement presence throughout the city, including San Jose officers answering calls, with support from the California Highway Patrol, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies from across the county.
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For those hoping to share support to the Katherman family, the San Jose Police Officers Association has planned an all-day fundraiser at Famous Dave’s BBQ on Curtner Avenue in San Jose, with proceeds going directly to the family.
Those wishing to make donations should contact Joanne Segovia with the San Jose Police Officers Association at joanne@sjpoa.com. A GoFundMe account has also been set up for the Katherman family.
