Remembering Long Pham: Vigil for community service worker in San Jose who was killed by alleged drunk driver

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Dozens of people gathered to honor the life and service of Community Service Officer Long Pham.

San Jose City Councilor Bien Doan hosted a vigil at the Vietnamese Heritage Garden on Thursday evening.

“We don't have many Vietnamese police officers and when a death like this occurs, it impacts all of our lives,” Doan said.

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On August 3, Pham was killed by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop, according to police. Pham was 34 years old.

“We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to grieve and heal, and it’s important that we do that,” Doan said.

Pham's family is Buddhist. Elected officials, including the police chief, fire chief, Mayor Matt Mahan and former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, were in attendance, standing in front of a shrine filled with candles, flowers, fruit and incense.

Pham was the first CSO in the history of the San Jose Police Department to die in the line of duty.

Captain Brian Spears, who oversees the CSO department, shared a few words.

“His impact will live on for a long time and remind us of the extraordinary difference one person can make. As we remember CSO Long Pham, we want to carry on the values ​​he lived by: integrity, kindness and helpfulness,” said Captain Spears.

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Social worker Veronia Baer was Pham's partner – she survived the accident. We were there when she was released from the hospital as hundreds of police and other first responders lined the hallway to applaud her. Police Chief Paul Joseph said her sacrifice will not be forgotten.

“We also have to remember that this is a human being, a member of this community on many different levels,” Joseph said.

The funeral service for Pham is planned for August 30 at the SAP Center.

This will also be open to the public.