It was a day of heavy hearts in San Jose as the police department honored its fallen officers.
The procession of families on Wednesday at the annual Fallen Officers Memorial included loved ones of Michael Johnson, an officer who was killed in March while responding to an emergency call.
The families of 12 officers who died in the line of duty for the San Jose Police Department attended the memorial ceremony.
The group watching the traditional proceedings included Johnson's family, which just endured public and private funeral services last month. Johnson's family expressed appreciation, but chose not to talk publicly.
"It's difficult for them -- just reopens wounds. But yet, they're doing fine," San Jose Police Chief Larry Esquivel said. "And we're here to help them get through it."
The family of fallen officer Jeffrey Fontana said they understand what Johnson's family is going through.
Fontana was an academy classmate and good friend of Johnson. The officer was killed in October 2001 and was the last San Jose cop killed before Johnson.
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Fontana's mother said the passing years and ceremonies honoring her son has helped ease the pain.
"It brings everything back to the surface again and you remember the day that you were told that your son was killed," Sandy Fontana said. "But it is a wonderful memorial that San Jose PD does for our officers, and it's important to remember them."
