OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- More than 2,000 people gathered Thursday for an emotional memorial service honoring Oceanside police Officer Dan Bessant, who was gunned down while backing up a colleague at a traffic stop.

A big crowd watched as law enforcement procession wound its way through city streets and past police headquarters to New Venture Church, where the officer was eulogized.

Bessant, 25, who was praised for his adventurous spirit and sense of humor, would have loved the tribute, said Steve Redden, the church's senior pastor.

"He would have wanted lots of laughter," Redden said.

Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy obliged by telling the congregation about Bessant urging a fellow cop to clean his locker before it became a home for vermin, then bought some mice and put them in the locker.

"The (other) officer, when he opened the locker and saw the mice, he almost jumped out of his pants," McCoy said, drawing laughter from the audience.

The chief also recounted how Bessant went out and bought Valentine's Day candy and flowers on behalf of a fellow officer who had lost his leg and was unable pick up anything for his wife.

Bessant appeared to have been targeted simply because he was a police officer.

"His life was taken in a senseless act of violence," McCoy said. "He died doing what he loved, trying to make the community a better place."

The chief detailed the officer's career, saying he always got the job done.

"He knew the bad guys on his beat, and they knew he was keeping his eyes on them," McCoy said.

On Tuesday, reputed gang member Meki Gaono, 17, pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted-murder charges in connection with Bessant's slaying. Gaono, who will be tried as an adult, was locked up in lieu of $5 million bail.

According to prosecutors, Gaono admitted to firing a scope-equipped rifle at Bessant from more than 300 feet away about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20, as the lawman was providing backup to a female officer who had made a traffic stop at Gold Drive and Arthur Avenue.

Bessant, a three-year officer, suffered a wound under his left armpit and died at a hospital later that evening, Oceanside police Sgt. Leonard Mata said.

Gaono was arrested the next morning, and a 16-year-old was booked the following night.

Gaono is a former El Camino High School student who recently attended a continuation school, officials said. He has a juvenile record, as does the other suspect.

Because of his age, Gaono is not facing the death penalty. But he could get life in prison without parole if convicted.

The juvenile is being held on a probation violation. Authorities have not said if he will face charges in connection with the officer's slaying.

Oceanside police Officer Scott Garrett said Bessant, who is survived by his wife and infant son, had an unsurpassed zeal for life.

"If I learned one thing from Dan, it was passion," Garrett said.

In statements after the shooting, Bessant's father, Steve, described his late son as "an instigator of great adventures."

Redden told the Bessants that the officer's son, Wyatt, appeared to have the same spirit within him, "so hang on, the adventure will continue."

The service concluded with a 21-gun salute, a flyover by four law enforcement helicopters and a presentation of a flag to the family.

Hundreds of law enforcement officials from around the state attended the funeral. The sheriff's department is patrolling Oceanside so the city's police employees can attend the service.

Contributions to the Dan Bessant Memorial Fund may be made to account No. 3133219879 at any Washington Mutual Bank.