Hundreds gathered Thursday in San Jose for a public memorial service honoring Kevin Nishita, the security guard and former police officer who was killed in Oakland while protecting a TV news crew.
Nishita, 56, was a decorated officer with multiple departments, including San Jose and Colma, where he earned the Chief's Award.
The service at San Jose Civic began with a Buddhist ceremony, after which San Jose police Chief Anthony Mata and Colma police Cmdr. Sherwin Lum spoke.
"Kevin devoted his life to his family and practiced the gifts of love, service, compassion and being ethical every day," Mata said.
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There were heartfelt eulogies, with family members drawing laughs and tears.
"As Kevin’s best friend, I know Kevin is so grateful for everyone being here today, and we are, too," his wife Virginia said.
"I can imagine him dusting off his shoulders and just saying, ‘Yup, this is all for me.' He’s our superhero," daughter Maureen Campos said.
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There also was musical performances and a video tribute to Nishita.
The search for Nishita's killer continues nearly two weeks after he was gunned down on an Oakland street while protecting a TV news crew. The getaway car is described as a white Acura four-door sedan with no license plate.
A $38,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the killer.
Nishita's slaying is one of 129 homicides in Oakland this year.
Thursday's service was open to the public, and under the city's vaccine mandate, attendees were required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to be admitted inside San Jose Civic.
