23 Aug Greenway Remembers Corporal Han Cho
It’s with a heavy heart we share the passing of our friend and beloved MTP security guard, Corporal Han Cho.
His passing is the result of a tragic traffic accident that occurred in the afternoon of August 7th in Garden Grove on his way home.
Han worked at the Melrose Trading Post for just over 9 months but left an incredibly positive impression on the community with his professionalism and care for people.
He was often seen in the market with his daughter Kaitlyn by his side. MTP staff captured this moment the Sunday his son Christian was visiting too.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Han’s family, work associates, and friends as we process his passing, and we will do our best to carry on his legacy of encouragement, professionalism, and the great smile he bestowed upon us every Sunday.
Han Cho started at Garden Grove as a Police Recruit on June 19, 1995 and graduated from the police academy on December 8, 1995. During his career, he worked a variety of assignments that included, patrol officer, Gang Suppression Unit, Career Criminal Apprehension Team, and Neighborhood Traffic Unit. Han was also a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team for over 24 years. He rose to the rank of Master Officer in 2006, then to Corporal in 2022. Cpl Cho was a dedicated employee, known for his great personality, infectious smile, insatiable appetite, and being a phenomenal runner.
Han is survived by a teenage son named Christian, a daughter named Kaitlyn, a mother and father, 2 sisters, 1 brother and a niece.
Han Cho had only been with the Melrose Trading Post for just over 9 months, and yet he left an incredibly positive impression on all who had the pleasure of associating with him. Han was the consummate professional. He brought with him a generous spirit, compassion for those struggling, and a sense that, if tasks were performed correctly, all would turn out right. From day one, it was clear Han would contribute significantly to the betterment of our organization. And that he did. He immersed himself in his work at MTP, and executed his role as security with a gifted ability to de-escalate any conflict that would arise, and do so with aplomb and sense of fairness. Han’s learning curve was lightning fast, and no doubt a reflection of all of his past/current hard work and training over the years with the Garden Grove Police Department. We most certainly benefited from all of the professional experience Han had to offer. But even more than that, we benefited from Han’s exceptional personal integrity, positive attitude, and ability to lift the spirits of those around him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Han’s family, work associates, and friends as we process his passing, and we will do our best to carry on his legacy of encouragement, professionalism, and the great smile he bestowed upon us every Sunday.
– J. Scott Shonka, Operations Manager of the Melrose Trading Post
Han and Jaime during Flash Bob at MTP
If you feel compelled to help Han’s family,
here are the funds set up to do so:
The Garden Grove Police Association has set up an AOCDS Memorial Fund on behalf of Han’s children, Christian and Kaitlyn. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to a trust in their names.
Visit AOCDS Memorial Fund for Han Cho
The Cho family has also set up a separate GoFundMe page.
This money will be used for unexpected expenses and funeral costs.
At the moment of writing this, they’ve raised $65,000 raised of their $100,000 goal.
Visit the Cho Family GoFundMe Page
Tribute T-Shirt Fundraiser
Side Action Apparel has been so kind to make a tribute shirt for Han. They are currently taking preorders for a tribute t-shirt to honor him. All the proceeds will go directly to his children.
Pre-orders will be taken here through August 23rd.
Greenway Arts Alliance is setting up a memorial table for Corporal Han Cho
at Melrose Trading Post on Sundays 8/27 & 9/3.
The memorial table will be set up at the MTP Shop & Mini Stage, located by the stairs connecting the Blue & Red sections of the market.
If you’re compelled to, please stop by to write condolence messages and memories of Han in the yellow notebook that we will then pass along to his family.