A procession and memorial service were being held Tuesday for Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed in a helicopter crash while responding to a priority call last month.

The procession began at the Huntington Beach Police Department shortly after 7:30 a.m. and continued for several miles before arriving at Honda Center in Anaheim.

Drivers were urged to plan for possible traffic impacts along the 405, 55, 5 and 57 freeways.

The memorial service for family, friends and colleagues began at 10 a.m. at Honda Center, located at 2695 East Katella Avenue.

A livestream of the event can be watched on the city of Huntington Beach’s YouTube channel.

Vella, 44, was killed on Feb. 19 when the helicopter he was riding in crashed into the waters off Newport Beach.

A second officer was pulled form the helicopter and has since been discharged from a local hospital.

Vella was an 18-year veteran of law enforcement, 14 of those with the Huntington Beach Police Department.

He was remembered as a “selfless and driven police officer and man,” in a news release from the Police Department.

Vella leaves behind his wife and teenage daughter.

A donation site has been set up to help alleviate the financial strain on Vella’s family.