SAN JOSE, California. – Long Pham, the San Jose community service officer who was killed in the line of duty, was laid to rest on Wednesday. Pham is the first community service officer in California history to die in the line of duty.

Under guard of officials, people came to pay their last respects to Long Pham.

Pham, a community service officer with the San Jose Police Department, lost his life on August 3.
He was working as a traffic controller when he was killed by a drunk driver.

“He is the nicest guy you will ever meet. Honestly, if you needed anything, he would come and help you without hesitation,” says Quang Le, Pham’s cousin.

His family says his dream was to protect and serve. Becoming a community service member was just the beginning. Pham was counting the days until he finished his training.

“Six more months, brother, that’s all I need and then I’ll be there. And then he did it, you know. Everyone was proud of him, mom and dad, my uncle,” says Le.

“We are very proud of him. It is sad to see him go,” says Kim Nguyen, a family friend.

Relatives came to support the family. Jacklyn and Tony Le have known them for nearly 50 years. They say this loss breaks their hearts.

“He was a treasure. Whatever you asked of him, he did it for you. He’s incredible. This is an incredible boy,” said Jacklyn Le, a family friend.

“I miss that boy very much. I’m so sad for my friend, he lost a boy. And the community lost a good guy,” said Tony Le, another family friend.

Pham’s partner that day, Veronica Baer, ​​was seriously injured. She was released from the hospital but had to undergo major jaw surgery. Police say she is in good spirits but is yet to heal.

The same goes for Long Pham’s family. They say they still can’t believe the destruction left behind by the drunk driver.

“They took something we all loved. He is a big part of all of us. He made everyone smile,” says Quang Le.

The wake for Pham will last until 9 p.m. tonight and again during the day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. His funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday at the SAP Center.