Friends and neighbors of the slain security officer who was killed in Newark Friday remember him as a hero.

Nestor De La Rosa, 47, was fatally shot while making a drop at a check cashing place. Authorities say when De La Rosa was exiting his van with the cash, two men attempted to rob him. When De La Rosa drew his gun, police say the suspects shot him in the head first.

De La Rosa, of Paterson, also worked as a security guard at the Riverview Apartments in Boonton. Residents were shocked to hear of his death. Many had only kind words to say about the former Marine.

?When he came to work down here, he brought light to the building,? Teresa Williams said. ?He had everybody laughing when they were down.?

Residents say De La Rosa often went above and beyond just patrolling the building. They say in 2001, De La Rosa was patrolling the street and rescued people from a burning home.

De La Rosa leaves behind a wife, two sons and a young daughter.

Related Information:Armed security officer slain in Newark