Watch CBS News

'Just Overall A Great Guy:' Funeral Held For Paterson Police Officer Killed In Crash

PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Honors Tuesday for a Paterson police officer who was killed in a car crash last week.

Family, friends and fellow officers gathered for the funeral to remember Officer Tamby Yagan. The 41-year-old traffic officer was killed early Sunday morning after he crashed his squad car while on patrol on Getty Avenue.

"It's a terrible loss for the Police Department, a terrible loss for his family," said Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald.

"I just mourn for him and his family."

Yagan is being remembered by fellow cops as an officer who went above and beyond to serve his community, a kind-hearted family man and an especially loving father to his young son, whom he adored.

"Really his entire life was his son," said Oswald.

Yagan has also been described by friends as an avid body builder, a former volunteer firefighter and most of all, a warm and generous person.

"We are here to honor him and support his family for all the things he has done for many years," Oswald said.

"To me, he was a gentle giant. Just always a loving soul and always happy," said Officer Carlos Vasquez.

"His ability to just talk to people and calm situations down. Just overall a great guy," Officer Joel Santiago added.

In keeping with his Muslim faith, his casket was brought outside where a prayer was said -- honoring a good man with a life of service.

Authorities say Yagan was alone behind the wheel of his patrol car when he crashed into a parked car. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

He was the only person involved in the crash, which is under investigation. No word yet on what caused it.

Following his death, Yagan was posthumously promoted to detective.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.