Community mourns fallen Hayward Police Sgt. Scott Lunger
HAYWARD, Calif. (KTVU) - The memorial in front of the Hayward Police Department for fallen officer Sgt. Scott Lunger is touching.
The sweet scent of flowers, the heartfelt notes and even toys are all gifts left by grateful citizens to show their appreciation.
A couple from San Leandro came to offer a prayer and held a Native American sage smudging ceremony, as a blessing for the fallen officer and his loved ones.
"It's a big loss. It's a huge loss. I'm sure his parents and his family are feeling that," said Iona Mad Pluma.
Her husband, Stan Wilson, a Marine Corps veteran, says there's a camaraderie among brothers in uniform - whether it’s military or law enforcement.
"They're like our modern day warriors. They protect us," said Wilson.
On Thursday afternoon, in a show of solidarity, those warriors from Hayward and other law enforcement agencies, escorted the body of Sgt. Lunger from the Alameda County coroner's office in Oakland to the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward.
There was an impressive and seemingly endless stream of patrol cars as a salute to the 15 year veteran of the Hayward force who was shot and killed during a traffic stop Wednesday morning.
"It's a senseless act. It's felt through law enforcement everywhere," said Sgt. Ken Chetcuti with the South San Francisco Police department.
Sgt. Ken Chetcuti from South San Francisco says he knows the pain the Lunger family is suffering. Chetcuti lost his uncle, Millbrae Police Officer Dave Chetcuti who was killed in the line of duty in 1998.
"You will never get over it. You will just get used to it," said Sgt. Ken Chetcuti.
Among those mourning the loss of Sgt. Lunger is a fellow sergeant who is heading up the homicide investigation into the killing.
"We were in the academy together. I've known him for years. He's a great guy. It's a tragedy. It's tragic. It hasn't hit a lot of us," said Hayward Police Sgt. Ryan Cantrell.
Sgt. Scott Lunger's funeral is tentatively set for next Thursday morning at the Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley.
Those who want to make donations are asked to contact the Hayward Police Officers' Association.