Flags fluttered at half-staff at city offices Wednesday, and a
green reflective street sign reading
”
Never Forget D.V. 3.14.11
”
was affixed to a light pole in the city maintenance yard on Old
Gilroy Street. The healing has come slowly for many city workers,
said David Stubchaer, senior civil engineer for the City of
Gilroy.
”
We’re having a tough time,
”
he said.
”
People’s heads aren’t clear enough to go back on the street.
”
To read David Vogel’s obituary, click here.
Flags fluttered at half-staff at city offices Wednesday, and a green reflective street sign reading “Never Forget D.V. 3.14.11” was affixed to a light pole in the city maintenance yard on Old Gilroy Street.
In the early morning, city recreation officials delivered pastries to employees at the yard to show support just two days after the death of maintenance worker David Vogel.
The healing has come slowly for many city workers, said David Stubchaer, senior civil engineer for the City of Gilroy.
“We’re having a tough time,” he said. “People’s heads aren’t clear enough to go back on the street.”
Stubchaer said Morgan Hill has offered to send some of its staff to Gilroy to assist with any maintenance work, if needed.
“I think we’ll take them up on that offer, especially during the funeral,” Stubchaer said. “We’d do the same thing for them.”
Mario Iglesias, Morgan Hill public works manager, said Vogel’s death “really hit a nerve.” Flags at city facilities in Morgan Hill also flew at half-staff Wednesday.
“We’re all sorry to hear what happened,” he said. “We are more than happy to help out.”
Vogel, 40, died Monday when he was struck and killed by a car while performing routine street inspections on Farrell Avenue, according to the city. The incident is being investigated by the City of Gilroy and the Gilroy Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team.
Vogel, who was born and raised in Gilroy, is survived by a 10-year-old daughter, his fiance and many family members.
The City of Gilroy will attempt to lend its support to Vogel’s family as well. Stubchaer said city officials had discussed setting up a scholarship for Vogel’s daughter to assist with finances.
“He’s no longer around to earn a living,” Stubchaer said. “We’re trying to be there for the family.”
Stubchaer said Vogel’s work ethic and attitude made him a well-known, well-liked employee and resident.
“He was a good worker. He had a good sense of humor,” Stubchaer said. “He was really tied to the community.”
LeeAnn McPhillips, the City of Gilroy’s human resources director and risk manager, told the Dispatch in an e-mail Tuesday there would be a “comprehensive investigation” into the accident.
Joe Kline, city publication information officer, said he believed Vogel’s death was the first of a city employee while in the line of duty.
Vogel joined the city as a full-time employee in 1998, according to a city press release.
A funeral service for Vogel will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at South Valley Community Church in Gilroy. A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Private condolences and flowers can be delivered through www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.
To read David Vogel’s obituary, click here.
