Memorial service for beloved Richmond police officer

RICHMOND, Calif. (KTVU) - A memorial service was held Friday morning, for a well respected Richmond police officer, who was shot and killed last week in a family dispute.

Officer Augustine "Gus" Vegas, 58, served 15-years in the Richmond Police Department. He had 10-children and 20-grandchildren.

Robert Vega, 30, the father of one of the grandkids, is accused of the shooting.

Vega appeared in court this week but did not enter a plea; he's scheduled to be back in court on March 2nd.

Officer Vegas was a popular figure within the Richmond community, and worked with foster children.

The memorial service began at 10 a.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, at Civic Center Plaza.

The officer's casket was taken by escort, from Skyview Mortuary Lawn in Vallejo, to the auditorium.

Since officer Vegas was not killed in the line of duty, some of the traditional financial support programs for his family were not activated.

Because of that the Richmond Police Officers association is working to raise money to cover his funeral expenses and care for his family.

Here's a link to their Go Fund Me page to create a trust for his family:  https://www.gofundme.com/RPDVegas

They've also created a bank account in his honor:

Mechanics Bank

Routing #: 121102036

Account #: 041305213

"Richmond POA in memory of Gus Vegas"