Getting a lot of off duty police officers together for a Crossfit class isn't easy. But not when the workout is in memory of a fallen officer.
"Outstanding guy, he was my sergeant," said BART police Officer Shaun O'Connor.
Officer O'Connor worked alongside BART Sgt. Tom Smith. The 42-year-old was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer last January while conducting a search at the home of a robbery suspect. He was a 23-year veteran with the BART Police Department.
"He always talked about his family, talked about [daughter] Summer all the time, loved his family and loved his friends very much," Officer O'Connor said.
Sunday's Crossfit class in Union City was a benefit to raise money for Smith's wife and 6-year-old daughter Summer who helped with the raffle.
"I felt like I wanted to do something a little bit above and beyond," said Newark police Officer Jolie Macias.
Officer Macias organized the event for the Smith family.
"We want them to create new family memories," Officer Macias said. "And if we can give 'em a little something to take a family trip or just do something together to help create those memories, that's all this was about."
Sgt. Smith's two brothers are also police officers. That bond was not lost on Freddy Camacho who opened his gym for the event.
"Union City, Newark, Hayward, BART," Camacho said. "We're all a tightknit group everybody knows everybody more or less."
Sgt. Smith's family did not want go on camera. But said they were very appreciative to everyone who donated. Sunday's benefit raised $8,000.
Donations for Smith's family can be made at www.tommysmithfundraiser.com.
