Oakland Police Sgt. Daniel Takashi Sakai, who was killed on March 21 along with three of his fellow officers, leaves behind many mourning family members and friends both in the Bay Area and Southern California.

A resident of Castro Valley, Sakai, 35, died along with fellow SWAT team member Sgt. Ervin Romans, 43, when they confronted parolee Lovelle Mixon, 27, who was barricaded in an apartment building. Police returned fire, killing Mixon.

Earlier in the day, Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40, and Officer John Hege, 41, were shot when they pulled over Mixon. Dunakin died at the scene and Hege was later declared brain dead.

In the March 24 Oakland Tribune, Sakai’s family ran an obituary in the form of a message to the slain officer:

“What words do we have to say how much we love you? You were the world’s best father to Jojiye, fantastic husband to Jenni, dedicated son to Tom and Mikki, one-of-a-kind brother to Toshi and Tommy, a caring grandson to every single one of your grandparents, and a cool cousin and nephew.

“What a full life you lived. Raised in Big Bear, there you acquired your love for everything outdoors. After graduation from Big Bear High School, you found a second home in the Bay Area. Majoring in forestry at Cal, what great times you had making lifetime friends.

“The stars aligned when you attended the OPD Recruit Academy. There you found not only your soul mate and future wife, but also your home away from home at the Oakland Police Department. There you excelled and became a leader and teacher extraordinaire. Patrol officer, canine handler, patrol rifle and academy firearms instructor, and SWAT team member, you quickly rose to the rank of sergeant of police and SWAT team leader and you loved it all.

“But the best day of your life was March 31, 2005, when your Jo-chan was born. In a life so full of family, friends, and co-workers, you always made time for the ones closest to your heart, even if it meant taking a quick nap after a long, long shift — somehow you always found the energy and brought your big and bright smile along with you.”

A viewing will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd. in Hayward, on Thursday, March 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services are on Friday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at the Oracle Arena, 6600 Coliseum Way in Oakland.

A trust fund has been established. Checks may be directed to the “Sakai Family Trust,” c/o Oakland Police Officers Association, Attn: Rennee Hassna, 555 5th St., Oakland, CA 94607. Wire transfers may be directed to Merrill Lynch Accounts, “Sakai Family Trust,” account number 204-04064.

Roots in Southland

Born on April 6, 1973, Sakai spent the first few years of his life in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County.

“I was watching it and talking to a friend, `Breaking news Oakland police,”’ Lomita resident Willie Sakai, the officer’s uncle, told the Daily Breeze of Torrance. “I didn’t realize it was him. Later on, my sister called and said, `Danny got killed.’ ”

Daniel Sakai lived with his family in Redondo Beach until about age 3. His father, Tom, operated a landscaping business there, then moved his family to Big Bear, where he continued to work in landscaping.

“He was a very giving kid. Helpful,” his uncle said. “He would go out of his way to do things for you.”

His aunt, Jojiye Iriye of Monterey Park, told the Daily Breeze, “If someone was hurt, he would be the first one there, ever since he was a little boy.”

She said of her nephew’s sudden death, “It’s pretty devastating. He’s always been a good kid. He’s always had a wonderful smile.”

Kenneth Sakai, one of the officer’s uncles, will attend the funeral, but Willie Sakai is unable to go because of health reasons. He last saw his nephew a year ago when the family gathered for the funeral of the officer’s grandmother at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Iriye said of Daniel Sakai’s daughter, who turns 4 next week, “Her name is Jojiye, like mine. He was a great dad. It’s sad she won’t be able to see her father anymore.”

Ties to UC Berkeley

Sakai’s wife, Jennifer, is a training officer with the UC Berkeley Police Department, where he worked as a CSO (community service officer) from 1992 to 1997.

“Dan was a very special young man who was clearly a born leader,” said UCPD Chief Victoria Harrison. “He was committed to public service and making a difference in other people’s lives. Our hearts go out to his wife, daughter, parents and family. He will be greatly missed.”

“He was the salt of the earth,” said Sgt. Karen Alberts, who supervised Sakai when he was a student at Cal and the CSO assistant program coordinator. “He was smart and a very good people person, and just an all-around nice guy. It’s really tough on everyone in the department.”

Sakai’s academic advisor, John Battles, said that his former student “was a great kid. When I asked him what he wanted to do after graduation, he said he wanted to help people when things were bad; he wanted to become a police officer.”

After a brief stint in Japan teaching English, Sakai was accepted into the police academy and joined the Oakland Police Department as an officer in 2000.