SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- Friends and family held a fundraiser for a police officer, who was a former San Bernardino High School student, after he was killed by a suspected drunk driver on Thursday.
Police officers from several agencies and friends gathered at Shamrock's Bar and Grille Friday night for the memorial organized by the Emerald Society, a group that raises funds for the families of fallen officers. Bryce Hanes, who did not drink, was honored with a Dr. Pepper toast.
"We don't drink but we drink Dr. Pepper," said Hanes' brother, Scott Hanes. "That's Bryce's favorite drink so, tonight, we have Dr. Peppers for everybody."
"Such an amazing man not only as an officer, as a friend as a beat partner at work," said Ray Bonshire of the San Bernardino Police Department. "Just an example, as he showed to us, all of us, how to live your life."
With heads bowed, students at San Bernardino High School took a moment to mark the passing of Hanes, who graduated in 1993 and played football for the school.
"As a tribute to officer Hanes, Cardinal City is dedicating this year's 100th anniversary to officer Hanes and his family," said Chuck Oversby, a teacher at San Bernardino High School.
Outside the San Bernardino police station where Hanes spent 12 years, mourners payed tribute with flowers.
"He was a man of stability, a man of love, a man of a lot of fun," said Michael Stronger a friend of Hanes and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. "His life was exemplary of his faith."
Two different memorial funds have been set up by the Emerald Society and the San Bernardino Police Officers Association to assist the victim's family as the outpouring from the community and different law enforcement agencies continues to grow.
"We love the Hanes family," said Stronger. "And we are going to miss him dearly."
For now, the community is doing what it can to help the officer's family as they begin a life without him.
"It's surreal to think that he's gone but to look around and see the variety of people that are here, and the only reason they're here is for Bryce, it's just an awesome thing," said Scott Hanes. "I miss him."