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ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) — A vigil to honor the Arvada police officer killed in a shooting in Olde Town on Monday was held on Tuesday evening.

Officer Gordon Beesley was honored at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 5675 Field St. at 7 p.m.

“This is tough,” said Arvada Mayor Marc Williams. “This is something a mayor never wants to have to contend with.”

Many members of the Arvada Police Department were present, as were members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Educators from Oberon Middle School, where Beesley served as a school resource officer, also spoke.

“He was large, physically, so he had that presence,” said one colleague. “But his energy had that presence, as well.”

Funeral services are pending.

You can watch the full vigil in the FOX31 NOW player below.

Arvada Police said Beesley was with the department for 19 years. He was working patrol while school was out for the summer when a gunman opened fire.

Arvada Mayor Marc Williams said Beesley had been named employee of the year, “because he went beyond the call and just was always there for folks.”

“He was the epitome of what you would want in a police officer,” Williams said in an interview with FOX31. “We’re so proud to have him as part of our force, because he truly exemplified the type of officers we have here in Arvada.”

Donations for Officer Beesley’s family and funeral expenses can be made through the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation website. The Arvada Police Department has also set up a web form for people wishing to make non-monetary donations.