Bay Area cops show support for San Jose Police Departmemt as they mourn fallen officer

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Officers from all over the Bay Area are showing their support for San Jose police as they mourn one of their own.

Officer Michael Katherman was killed Tuesday when he crashed into a minivan on his motorcycle.

RELATED: San Jose motorcycle officer injured in crash dies

Outside of the San Jose Police Department stands a special tribute to Katherman, flowers and the motorcycle he loved to ride.

San Jose officers came to work this morning with heavy hearts as they faced the first day without Katherman, who was killed when his motorcycle crashed into a minivan Wednesday afternoon.

"I knew Mike and he was a liked officer, a hard worker, but you got to come back to work and the department is real supportive," said San Jose police Sgt. Jarrod Nunes.

They have support of other departments, too. A Palo Alto Officer left flowers in front of the San Jose Police Department Wednesday morning. And then, police chiefs and command staff members from several different law enforcement agencies arrived at the San Jose Police Department to meet with San Jose's command staff.

"We were all texting last night to put on hold whatever you have going that day and be here to show support," said Gilroy police Chief Denise Turner.

Katherman, 34, was a married father of two who worked for the San Jose Police Department for 11 years.

Investigators say he was traveling north on 10th Street on his motorcycle when a minivan turned left in front of him. He crashed into it and later died at the hospital. Officers and firefighters from different agencies escorted his body to the medical examiner's office.

"It's a very difficult thing for us as a profession and it's important for us to show support for the profession and department and the brave men and women who work here every day to keep their community safe," said Morgan Hill police Chief David Swing.

Officers say this kindness makes a difference.

"It's nice to see support from the community as well as officers on the department and everybody's there to help out one another," Nunes said.

Officer say support from the community means so much. When they see people leaving flowers or lining the streets for their processions, they say they notice.

Click here to donate to the Katherman Family.

Click here for full coverage on the death of veteran San Jose Officer Michael Katherman.