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Memorial Service Held For High School Security Guard Who Died Breaking Up Fight

(CBS) -- An emotional memorial for a school security guard who died on the job was held Wednesday night at Thornwood High School.

Richard Cowser died trying to break up a fight and a candle lighting ceremony reflected the respect he received from faculty and students alike.

CBS 2's Mike Parker reports more than 200 parents, students, teachers and school administrators lit candles and prayed and recalled how Cowser touched their lives.

"He'd always ask me how I'm doing and if I'm staying out of trouble. He's just a really nice guy," said student Heather Russell.

The students nicknamed Cowser Hulk or Hulk Hogan. And he didn't seem to mind that, but he took his job seriously. Last week he collapsed and died suddenly while trying to break up a fight between two female students.

"Always made sure we got to class on time," said student Anton West. " It's very good that he kept everything under control."

"He embodied what we were trying to do as far as having positive relationships with our students and redirect some behaviors. He did that daily," said Athletic Director Sam Azyrko.

Could there be legal troubles or even charges against the battling students? That is still under investigation.

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