Officer John Hege, 41, was a 10-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department. John graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. Prior to joining the Oakland Police Department, he worked as a teacher in Hayward, CA.

 

John started his career with OPD in 1993, serving as a volunteer reserve police officer. In 1999, he was hired as a full-time police officer. John was assigned to the Bureau of Field Operations upon graduating from the Oakland Police Academy. After patrolling the streets of Oakland for 10 years, he was transferred to the Traffic Operations Section and assigned as a motorcycle officer, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

 

John loved his career, and he was a diehard Raiders fan. He was able to combine his love for OPD and the Raiders by working overtime at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during Raider home games. John gave his heart, soul and a seemingly limitless amount of time to the Oakland Police Department. Yet he always made time for his family and friends. He loved to bring people together – planning memorable parties, organizing trips, or just meeting friends for dinner.

 

John was a man who truly cared about those who lived around him. In death as in life, he chose to help those in need. His organ donations have saved the lives of four people and his tissue donation will enhance the lives of as many as 50 others. John will be remembered as a terrific friend, a loving son, and a loyal brother to the men and women in blue.