Officers' boots shined in preparations for fallen Hayward officer's memorial

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- A public display of support, gratitude and grief happened Wednesday afternoon in Hayward during a view for fallen Sergeant Scott Lunger.

DETAILS: Procession, memorial for fallen Hayward Sgt. Scott Lunger

The Alameda County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol will take over duties in Hayward so police officers there can attend Thursday's funeral.

A steady stream of people arrived in Hayward for the viewing which began at 4 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. ahead of Thursday's funeral. A Hayward family business that knew Sgt. Lunger well is doing their part to help officers prepare.

Before Sgt. Scott Lunger's brothers in blue lace up their boots to say goodbye to him, the Grassechi's are making sure their boots shine.

"All the officers are coming in for this funeral and they're veterans and you can just see it in their face it's just it's sad," said Dino Grasseschi, owner of the The Cobblers.

Lunger was once a customer at The Cobblers.

PHOTOS: Hayward police sergeant shot, killed

"He was a staple in the community with helping everybody out," Grasseschi said.

While Dino Grasseschi greets officers in mourning, his son Kennethand other employees work behind the scenes.

"I think they put a little more love into it," Grassechi said.

The news of Lunger's death hit hard.

"It was surprising because it was so close. It was a couple of miles away from our store," Kenneth Grasseschi said.

"The officers that come in here they're our friends," Dino Gresseschi said.

Sgt. Scott Lunger's funeral procession will pass by the Cobblers.

"It's pretty powerful, especially close to home," Dino Grasseschi said.

On Thursday, officers will head to Lunger's memorial with heavy hearts and boots shining.

Sergeant Lunger will be laid to rest with full honors Thursday. A police motorcade will escort his casket from Hayward to Oracle Arena in Oakland. The procession begins at 8:45 a.m. and the service at Oracle Arena begins at 10 a.m.

Those who would like to make donations to help with the college expenses of Sgt. Lunger's two daughters Saralyn and Ashton can send donations here:

HPOA (Hayward Police Officers Association)
C/O Family of Sgt. Scott Lunger
300 West Winton Avenue
Hayward, CA 94544

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