Public memorial honoring Salinas Police Officer Jorge David Alvarado Jr.

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) Family, friends, community members and brothers in blue gathered at Rabobank Stadium on Thursday to honor Salinas Police Officer Jorge David Alvarado Jr.

Officer Alvarado was tragically shot and killed during a traffic stop on Feb. 25.

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The Ceremony

The memorial service had Police Chief Roberto Filice speak on "a son" he lost and present David Alvarado Jr.'s badge to the fallen officer's mother.

"Thank you for giving your son to us," Filice said to Officer David Alvarado Jr.'s mother.

The Mayor of Salinas Kimbley Craig spoke, a folded flag ceremony, fly over and release of doves ended the ceremony for the fallen officer.

Fellow Salinas Police Officer Jorge Ernesto Alvarado spoke on his late brother's heroic sacrifice.

"D-boy (Officer Alvarado Jr.) was an American patriot who loved his country. Who followed in his brother's footsteps," said Officer Jorge Ernesto Alvardo. "He fought until his last breath and brought justice to himself."

Jorge Ernesto was the eldest of four brothers who all share their father's first name.

Ernesto also spoke on regret, as he was the one who asked his brother to transfer to the Salinas Police Department from Colma.

"When I first learned of my brother's death I couldn't help but blame myself," said Ernesto. "I told him to make the lateral to Salinas PD from Colma PD, which he kept rejecting. Had I not been so insistent on him coming he might still be here."

But after many conversations with God, he was reminded his brother was a man of service and died as just that.

He wants to celebrate his brother's life rather than to mourn it.

Officer Jorge Alvarado's fiance Veronica Alvarado also spoke about her partner of 12 years.

She mentioned how inseparable they were and how they were best friends.

"I feel God gave us for each other for the good and bad times," said Veronica Alvarado. "He gave me purpose and now I feel like my purpose is gone. "

Alvarado's fiance also spoke about how her would-be husband took care and fed stray animals, loved Star Wars and Harry Potter and loved to be in nature.

She closed her memorial speech for her husband by saying that Jorge David Alvarado Jr. "Will always be my husband."

Community reacts to the ceremony

Many in the community said it was "only right to wake up early and show up" for the public memorial.

“They leave everyday to protect us and don’t know if they’re going to come home. So the least that I can do is show my respects,” said Gabriella Gonzalez, Salinas Resident.

Some people said that it’s important to remind law enforcement how crucial they are to the community, and to remember the strides they make to protect others.

“I don’t know if they always know that people love them, but especially with these days, we want to show them that we do. We do care about them. They do their job and unfortunately sometimes they pay the ultimate price,” said Joey Florez, Prunedale Resident.

Various departments joined in on the procession.

Many were surprised to see police come as far as Portland, Ore. and Missoula, Mont.

“It’s incredible. I was surprised by how many different places were here. It’s awesome that they all come together. They are like one big family and they all got to watch each other’s backs,” said Flores.

Community members said it means a lot to them to have so much overwhelming support.

“It's heartbreaking. It’s bittersweet to have this event happen for us to realize how much support is actually here for our city, for our people,” said Gonzalez.

Some people showed sympathy to the Alvarado family, specifically to his brother and fellow Salinas Police Officer, Jorge Ernesto Alvarado.

"Nobody understands them but their families to be honest. Even with family it's hard for them to fathom what they go through and what they see. I cannot imagine what his brother saw when they got to that scene, and that's what tears me apart,” said Gonzalez

Preparing for the memorial service

"He needs to be remembered, his legacy will be with us forever. He was with us for a very short time and he made his mark," said Salinas Police Department Public Information Officer, Miguel Cabrera.

Thursday morning thousands are expected to gather at Rabobank Stadium to honor Officer Alvarado. The public memorial is an opportunity for people to come together to pay their respects, and remember a local hero gone too soon. 

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"They're in pain. And you know, they're also grieving. And this is an opportunity for the community, the local community, and other communities in the area to pay their respects,” continued Officer Cabrera.

The procession started on Lincoln Avenue at Alisal Street in Salinas at 6:45 am and ended at Rabobank Stadium.

READ MORE: Salinas Police procession route for Officer Alvarado’s Memorial

Brothers and sisters in blue will be seated on the field, community members in the bleachers and all are welcomed to attend. 

"Tomorrow is not the end of the healing process by any means. We have a lot of work to do and frankly, the community needs to continue supporting our officers. They are hurting. They are grieving and they are continuing to work through their grief," said Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig.

READ MORE: Salinas Police officer murdered returned fire, helps investigators capture killer

To serve and protect, that’s what Officer Jorge Alvarado Jr. did, the night he was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Salinas. 

Officer Alvarado was also remembered during a fundraising dinner this past weekend hosted by a non-profit, Patriots of Freedom, which raised over $25,000 for the Salinas Police Department's K-9 unit.

"It's a shame, you know, something like this shouldn't have happened. But it does. Not just here, everywhere, but when you live here and it happens here it hits a little harder,” mentioned Ken Sheldon - Patriots of Freedom.  

READ MORE: Suspect accused of murdering Salinas officer pleads not guilty

If you couldn’t attend in person, the livestream of the procession and the service is available on our website.

There will be a private ceremony for Officer Alvarado's family at a later date, however, no other details were provided.