SAN JOSE, California. – A candlelight vigil was held in San Jose on Thursday night to remember the social worker who was killed by a drunk driver earlier this month. Long Pham and his partner were struck while directing traffic.

Long Pham, 24, was just starting his career as a social worker when he was hit by a drunk driver.

As dozens of family, friends and police officers looked on, leaders of the Vietnamese community paid tribute to one of their own. Long Pham, 24, attended schools in San Jose and became a community service officer with the San Jose Police Department in 2022. Pham is the first community service officer in San Jose to be killed in the line of duty.

“This is absolutely devastating for the community because we don’t have many Vietnamese police officers. When there is a death like this, it affects all of our lives,” said Bien Doan, a San Jose City Council member, Dist. 7, who helped organize the vigil.

On August 3, Pham and his partner, CSO Veronica Baer, ​​were directing traffic at the corner of Monterey Road and Palm Avenue. San Jose police say 44-year-old Juan-Huerta Placios drove into their patrol car, killing Pham and seriously injuring Baer. Placios was charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence.

“CSO Pham was not just a team member. He was a source of inspiration and wealth. His infectious smile and charisma brightened even the toughest days,” said Captain Brian Spears, CSO Supervisor and Support Services Division Commander.

Local leaders, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Mayor Sam Liccardo and acting San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph, lit incense during the ceremony to honor Pham’s Buddhist faith. As the sun set, people lit candles and observed a moment of silence.

“Tonight we light our candles. Let us all light a flame of hope and resilience,” Doan said.

CSO Baer is expected to make a full recovery. Doan also says he plans to have Pham’s name added to the San Jose Police Officers Memorial.