The Fox Theater hosted a memorial service for Officer Gerardo Silva of the Redwood City Police Department on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m.
“The community is invited to attend the event to honor Officer Silva. We are expecting a large turnout of both law enforcement personnel and community members attending the event,” said Jenny Corral, the administrative assistant to Redwood City police chief.
At the open memorial service, many gathered to celebrate and honor the life of Silva. Speeches were given by Redwood City Mayor John Seybert, Chief of Police JR Gamez, and Silva’s daughters.
On Jan. 20, Silva was found unconscious and not breathing while on duty at the police station. His fellow officers tried to perform CPR to revive him. Silva was transported to the hospital where he died of natural causes, leaving behind a wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren according to the Redwood City website.
According to KRON 4, Silva had served the city of Redwood City for a total of eighteen years. To many of his co-workers, Silva represented what it meant to be dedicated and compassionate within his community and will be dearly missed by the many his life had touched and impacted.
Captain Chris Hsiung of the Mountain View Police Department said, “Anytime we hear of an officer passing away, it affects all of us. The law enforcement profession is very close because of the job we do and the challenges we face.”
Sergeant Alan Lee of the San Jose Police Department said, “There is brotherhood amongst police officers, much like an extended family. When an officer dies in the line of duty, or on duty, it saddens all of the police officers in all of the neighboring departments.”
According to the Redwood City website, a fundraising account has been created to help Silva’s family.
“The Redwood City Police Department has established a fundraising account to help the Silva family during this difficult time. Donations can be made to the San Jose Police Officers’ Association’s Charitable Foundation on behalf of the Redwood City Police Officers’ Association. All donations are tax deductible and all proceeds will go to Officer Silva’s wife,” said Corral.
As people remember Silva, Chief Gamez highlights Silva’s hardworking and loving character.
During the memorial, Gamez said, “We get to protect and to serve… Gerardo was living proof of that motto.”
