Thousands pay tribute to fallen officer Gaspar
| • | Public invited to join officer's procession |
By Curtis Lum and Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writers
The Honolulu police family bid a tearful farewell last night to fallen brother Glen Gaspar, whom fellow officers described as one of the nicest people to put on the uniform.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
An estimated 3,000 people, including hundreds of police officers, took part in the first of two services for Gaspar, 40, who was killed in the line of duty March 4. The 12-year HPD veteran was shot while attempting to subdue a fugitive in Kapolei.
Honolulu police officers stand in formation on Maunakea Street before marching in honor of slain officer Glen Alvin Gaspar. Gaspar was fatally shot March 4 while trying to apprehend a fugitive at a Kapolei shopping center.
A second public service will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. today at the Kamehameha Schools chapel.
Last night the line of mourners snaked out of Borthwick Mortuary and around the block. The chapel was filled, leaving more than 200 police officers, dozens of firefighters, members of the Army and Marines, and other law enforcement officers waiting on a closed-off Maunakea Street to pay respects.
More than two dozen wreaths lined the chapel's wall. A lei-draped painted portrait of Gaspar stood next to his open casket.
About 500 people heard eulogies from Gaspar's longtime friend, Honolulu Police Detective Russell Won, and Police Chief Lee Donohue. Donohue characterized Gaspar as an "exemplary," highly decorated officer who never caused problems.
The most touching moment was when a 10-minute video on Gaspar's life was shown. It featured photos of Gaspar and family photos, as well as remarks from friends and fellow officers.
Earlier, during the visitation period, several officers walked out of the chapel visibly shaken or lost in thought.
"What happened last week is still all a blur to me; like your mind can't accept what took place," said Tenari Ma'afala, president of the state police union. "Some parts haven't hit home yet. I think when we have the procession and burial tomorrow, it will really come hard."
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
Spending yesterday afternoon helping set up sound equipment for the funeral, Ma'afala recalled working with Gaspar in HPD's Gang Detail about five years ago.
Tears were shed last night as police officers from Honolulu, the Neighbor Islands and the Mainland gathered to bid farewell to a fallen comrade.
"We liked to work out together, and his locker was several aisles from mine," he said, quietly. "Now I'm going to be sitting in front of my locker, and he's not going to walk by with his smiling face. It's going to be tough."
HPD officers Michael Cusumano and Brad Beck recalled patrolling the streets of Waikiki with Gaspar, one of Glen's first assignments. They remember an upbeat guy who used his unique sense of humor to lift the spirits of his co-workers in a very stressful, and sometimes dangerous, field.
"There's a bond that grows when you work with someone in life-and-death situations," Cusumano said. "It goes beyond friendship, and I consider Glen my brother."
Gaspar joined the Honolulu Police Department in 1991 as a member of the 110th Recruit Class. Most of his career was spent on patrol in East Honolulu and Windward O'ahu, and in the Criminal Investigation Division.
He was with HPD's Career Criminal Unit when he and other officers went to Kapolei Shopping Center on March 4 to arrest Shane Mark, who was wanted on an attempted-murder warrant.
Gaspar was fatally shot in a struggle to arrest Mark, who has been charged with first-degree murder, along with two counts of attempted second-degree murder in a separate case.
Several former Honolulu police officers working in the Pacific Northwest returned for Gaspar's funeral. About 60 law enforcement officers from the Neighbor Islands were also expected to attend the weekend services, Ma'afala said.
Also visiting Hawai'i to pay respects were representatives from several Mainland police departments. "This is one great family, and when one of our brothers or sisters is killed in the line of duty, we all feel it because we know it could be one of us," said officer Dino Zografos of the San Francisco Police Department.
Cusumano, meanwhile, tried to gather his thoughts to describe what Gaspar meant to him. A black ribbon in tribute ran across his police badge, which reflected the setting sun.
"Glen is going to be missed," he said. "But he will never be forgotten."
