Seaside Police honor market owner for helping family cope after deadly crash outside his store

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV)- Seaside Police are honoring a local market owner after he showed extreme compassion for a family that suffered a great loss after a deadly crash right in front of his store.

Mr. Dennis Volk, the owner of Mal's Market, shut down his store on the day of the deadly crash and provided shelter for the over 30 family members who arrived at the scene within the first few hours. He refused payment for any of his services.

Read more: Man charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter after deadly crash in Seaside

He also provided water, religious candles, and flowers to the family as they grieved for the loss of their loved one.

“I almost felt embarrassed to take it. I just felt like most people would have stepped up and done the same thing. But I was very grateful that the police department recognized me for that," said Volk. "And the officers that were on duty at that time actually came and did it with the police chief. I was honored. And I was, I was, I was just, like, overwhelmed.”

Volk went on to say his focus now is to help the family in the grieving process. He tells KION they’re a wonderful family.

He also mentions a donation jar for them in his store – as well as a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.