East Bay Sikh community mourns fallen Texas sheriff's deputy with candlelight vigil

UNION CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- Members of the East Bay Sikh community came together Monday night to pray and light candles in honor of a trailblazing Sheriff's deputy.

About 100 people showed up at Charles Kennedy Park in Union City.

RELATED: Texas county's first Sikh deputy slain in shooting; Man charged

Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal was gunned down last week during a routine traffic stop in Houston.

"He was a man who represented the best in law enforcement and the best of the Sikh community," said Sharan Kaur from Sikh Spirit Alliance.

Dhaliwal was the first Sikh officer to serve in Harris County, he was granted a religious exemption to wear his turban while on duty. Many consider him a true role model.

Karm Phagura met Dhaliwal during Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, helping to deliver supplies to stranded residents.

RELATED: 'Pioneering' deputy dies after being shot from behind: sheriff

"He guided us through everything, after that we were friends such a humble guy and a big hero in Houston, it's a big loss," said Phagura.

Many from this Sikh community including members of Bay area law-enforcement will travel to Houston for Dhaliwal's funeral on Wednesday.