Officers mourn the loss of Hayward Sgt. Scott Lunger
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - The funeral for Sgt. Scott Lunger brought law enforcement from every corner of California and even out of state.
"This is a show of strength. A show of numbers," said Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern. "We're all one big family."
A steady stream of patrol cars poured through the gates of the Oakland Coliseum.
Many departments marched in formation to chants of "left, left, left, right, left" from the parking lot to Oracle Arena.
"It brings back memories," BART Police Chief, Kenton Rainey said. "Very fresh for me and members of my department. We were doing this last year." It’s a reminder the job is inherently dangerous.
"The violence has got to stop," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said as she waited to go into the funeral service. "The losses in every corner of city life are unacceptable."
Sgt. Lunger's baseball team knows that truth all too well. They are mourning their officer/teammate. "They're here to protect us," A's teammate, Art Taugher, said getting choked up. "There's just way too much violence."
The service included a gun salute outside, followed by a helicopter flyover.
Along the route to Sgt. Lunger's resting place, many stood with heads bowed.
Eddie Aldaiez leaned on his cane and saluted to the passing hearse.
“I've been here all morning long...waiting for this," Aldaiez said. "I'm going to pay my respects and salute to him. He died as a hero."