Bell ringing ceremony honors fallen CHP Officer Andrew Camilleri

TRACY, Calif. (KGO) -- A bell toll tribute ceremony took place to honor fallen CHP Officer Andrew Camilleri. The beloved officer died on Christmas Eve and leaves behind a wife and three kids.

Camilleri was on the side of I-880 on the lookout for dangerous drivers, when the CHP says one of those drivers slammed into his SUV.

Before the ceremony, Union City Police blocked off traffic on Whipple Road for the procession of the Hayward CHP. Several patrol cars and motorcycles drove toward I-880 on their way to the tribute.

Since the tragedy, other local law enforcement agencies have been helping out. CHP officers from other Bay Area offices, like San Francisco, Dublin, Redwood City and San Jose are taking over patrols for the Hayward area today.

"Obviously we're all deeply hurting right now with what happened to Officer Camilleri. And the Union City Police Department and all agencies in the area are going to support the California Highway Patrol in whatever way they need," said Union City Police Lt. Jeff Snell.

Yesterday, a procession started in Oakland and ended in Tracy where Officer Camilleri lived with his wife and three children.

RELATED: Procession for fallen CHP officer heads through Tracey

Last night, a large crowd gathered at Fry Memorial Chapel in Tracy. Family, friends, co-workers and community members paid their respects.

"Being a wife and a mother myself, I can't imagine, I can't imagine what my friend is going through, and to see the three children not have their father around is horrible," said Liz Chavez, mourner.

Camilleri was not only a leader on the job but also at his church. At one time he was a youth leader and played bass guitar on the worship team at Mission City Church. Camilleri's body will remain at the chapel as funeral arrangements are still being made.

RELATED: Driver accused of hitting, killing CHP officer suspected of being under influence of pot and alcohol

The man accused of causing the crash that killed Officer Camilleri remains in the hospital this morning in serious condition.

The suspect is a 22-year-old from Hayward, and officials have not released his name. Investigators say he was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol.

The C.A.H.P Credit Union has established a memorial fund in honor of Officer Camilleri. All donations received will go directly to his family. The C.A.H.P Credit Union is covering all processing fees and administrative responsibilities.

Donations can be made on the C.A.H.P Credit Union website or directly mailed to:

Officer Andrew Camilleri Memorial Fund

PO Box 276507

Sacramento, CA 95827

Click here to donate to the CHP memorial fund for Officer Camilleri.