Hundreds of people gathered Monday night for a vigil honoring a slain state trooper at the Christian Life Center in Port Orchard where he worshipped.

 For the first time, Trooper Tony Radulescu's girlfriend and siblings spoke in public.

People lit candles and remembered the man known as "Trooper Tony."

Some came in uniform and some wore buttons with Radulescu’s photo on them.

All had stories about the trooper with the ever-present smile.

As hundreds held candles, Radulescu’s brothers and sister spoke.

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“This is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through. He was the best brother I could ask for, and I hope he's looking down and sees us all here, and all the love and support from this community and his family,” said Radulescu’s sister, Dianna Radulescu.

The love for Radulescu was felt at his church where mourners watched a slideshow of a fun-loving guy.

“I know right now he's looking down on us and saying, ‘boy what a hell of a party wish I was there,’” said Radulescu’s brother, Mario Radulescu.

Through her grief, Radulescu’s girlfriend, Gina Miller, remembered the laughs they had.

   “He was a very kind soul. And if you ever wonder if you're going to meet your true soul mate, someone you click with on every level, Tony and I were that, and it breaks my heart that we won't be able to have wheelchair races or cane fights,” said Miller.

Friends and family said Radulescu was a trooper with a sense of humor and service.

His son said he was grateful for all the people who recognized both.

  “He liked to go out big, so I appreciate you all for making him the man today,” said Erick Radulescu.

Miller said he always treated people the way he wanted to be treated, even when he was pulling them over.

  She hopes his death will remind everyone to be kinder to one another.

The public memorial service for Radulescu will be held Thursday March 1, at 1 p.m. at ShoWare Center in Kent.