San Jose will hold a public memorial service Tuesday for Officer Michael Katherman, who died in a traffic collision earlier this week.
The 11am service will take place at the SAP Center. Organizers expect thousands of attendees, including a strong showing of law enforcement officials from throughout the nation.
The San Jose Police Department announces Officer Michael Katherman's Memorial Services. https://t.co/U1NRptfuP7 #SJPD
— San Jose Police Dept (@SanJosePD) June 16, 2016
Katherman, an 11-year San Jose Police Department veteran, was on motorcycle patrol in north San Jose when a minivan struck him at North 10th and Hedding streets this past Tuesday. He died at the hospital a short time later.
The fatal June 14 collision makes him the 13th officer in the city’s history to die in the line of duty. The 12th was Officer Michael Johnson, who was fatally shot by a gunman in March of 2015.
On Thursday, a procession of police cars and motorcycles followed Katherman’s hearse from the coroner’s office to a mortuary in Los Gatos. Come Tuesday, a motorcade will follow as his coffin gets transported from funeral home to memorial service.
Katherman, a 34-year-old Hollister resident, leaves behind a wife and two young children. Over the past few days, mourners have left flowers, notes and other mementos outside the police station.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies and public officials have offered condolences to San Jose’s grieving police force.
“The people of the state of California will always remember the ultimate sacrifice Officer Katherman made in service of his community,” California Attorney General Kamala Harris wrote in a statement.
A GoFundMe account for Katherman’s widow and two sons has raised more than $20,000. The San Jose Police Officers’ Association is also collecting donations online or by mail with checks made out to SJPOACF and sent to 1151 N. Fourth St., San Jose, CA, 95112.
WHAT: Memorial for Officer Michael Katherman
WHEN: 11am Tuesday
WHERE: SAP Center, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose
INFO: @SanJosePD
@SanJosePD Ofc. Michael Katherman - Our entire profession has lost a hero. RIP Brother! pic.twitter.com/9xyfkmkyCA
— SJPD PIO (@SJPDPIO) June 15, 2016
Chief Garcia, SJPD, where is the 24 hour honor guard that was provided for Officer Johnson.
I believe they are providing around the clock security at his home and the mortuary since last week.