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Family Offers Tearful Farewell For Slain Richmond Police Officer

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- Thousands of people filled Richmond Memorial Auditorium Friday to pay their respects to a East Bay police officer who was fatally shot in his Vallejo home by the father of his grandson.

A huge crowd of family, friends and police gathered to remember Augustine "Gus" Vegas.

Vega was honored by hundreds of other law enforcement officers, but the most touching tributes were from his ten children.

Vegas had been with the Richmond police force for 15 years, but his family life was number one. In his off time, he founded a nonprofit to help kids in foster care.

"Dad, the love and encouragement you showed us kids is the same love an encouragement we will show our kids," said his son Augustine Vegas III. "You will live on and you will forever be in our hearts."

The suspect in Vegas' death is Robert Vega, the father of his 6-year-old grandson. He is accused of shooting Vegas in his Vallejo home last week.

Robert was in a relationship with one of the officer's daughters.

"Dad's final breath came doing what he'd always taught us: protect our family at all cost," said son Enrico Maldonado.

Vegas' wild side was talked about at Friday's memorial.

"I remember feeling so cool that my dad would pick me up from school every day on a Harley," said his tearful daughter Stephanie. "The best parts of me are from him."

"I just say to you Pop, rest now. We're going to be okay," said Enrico Maldonado. "You taught us right, and we'll see you again, Pops."

Part of the write-up in the memorial's program read, "Life is truly about the impact we have on others during the time we are allotted." By all accounts, Gus Vegas made the most of his.

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