Yreka, Calif. — Preparations are underway for the memorial service for fallen Modoc County Deputy Jack Hopkins. Deputy Hopkins was shot and killed last month while responding to a disturbance call. Inside the Collier Center at the Siskiyou County Fairgrounds – 1,600 seats are laid out, there’s also an overflow tent outside that seats 700.
Thousands are expected to attend on Saturday. However, the expected attendance is no surprise to support a man like Deputy Jack Hopkins.
“Like you get kicked in the gut by a horse. It hurts,” Daniel Beck said.
Wildlife Officer Daniel Beck is a family friend of the Hopkins. Nearly a month after Deputy Hopkins death, he still can’t believe he’s lost his friend.
“It’s shocking, it’s not something I ever expected to see in my career. The badge is not a target. It’s a shield and it belongs to the people of the state of California and those county citizens,” Beck said.
Throughout the grieving process, Beck is pleased to see the support for the fallen hometown boy.
“I think the best thing to see for me as an officer, was when we brought Jack home from Redding a couple weeks ago. to see Siskiyou County, the God-loving American people come out in support of this family. It was unbelievable,” Beck said.
It’s a silver lining he hoped he’d never had to look for.
“Unfortunately, it’s sad that it takes something like this to give you reassurance,” Beck said.
As Beck prepares to bury his friend, he’s reminded of why he went into law enforcement.
“Whether it’s northern California or southern Oregon, it’s nice to see the citizens come out to show their support for law enforcement. The law enforcement’s show that we’re still here to support you. We do our jobs to protect you,” Beck said.
The general public is welcome to attend the memorial. They do ask, however, that you arrive no later than 12:30 p.m.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.