Remembering CHP's Finest - Douglas "Scott" Russell (7/31/2007)

The CHP family mourns the loss of CHP Officer Douglas “Scott” Russell, I.D. 11619, who died July 31, 2007, after being hit by a car that was being pursued on Highway 50 near Shingle Springs, Calif.

Russell had just deployed a spike strip on the roadway to try and stop the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect, David Charles Zanon, 38, had led officers on a long pursuit starting in Rancho Cordova, reaching speeds close to 100 mph. The driver swerved toward Russell and struck him, causing fatal injuries. The suspect fled the scene and was apprehended shortly after.

CHP’s H24 arrived within two minutes and transported him to UC Davis Medical Center, where he died from his injuries a short time later.

Russell, 46, was a CHP officer for 22 years. He worked in the Placerville Area since 2000, and was well-liked. Known as a consummate professional, he was admired for his dedication and high personal standards. He will be sorely missed.

Officer Russell is survived by his wife, Lynn.

CHP Family and Friends Mourn Officer Douglas “Scott” Russell

Officer Douglas “Scott” Russell, I.D. 11619, died July 31, 2007, after being hit by a car that was being pursued on Highway 50 near Shingle Springs, Calif.

Russell had just deployed a spike strip to on the roadway to try and stop the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect, David Charles Zanon, 38, had led officers on a long pursuit starting in Rancho Cordova, reaching speeds close to 100 mph. The driver swerved toward Russell and struck him, causing fatal injuries. The suspect fled the scene and was apprehended shortly after.

CHP’s H24 arrived within two minutes and transported Russell to UC Davis Medical Center, where he died from his injuries a short time later.

“This is a sad loss for everyone,” said fellow Placerville Officer and good friend Tom Flahaven, I.D. 13505. “Scott was such a good officer, from safety to accountability. He looked sharp in his uniform, he kept in good shape. He was passionate about everything. He was a great officer every single day.”

Ron Corso, a personal friend and golfing partner, said, “Scott loved his job. He had the utmost honesty, integrity and character of anyone I know. He loved his job and loved being on the road were he could serve the public. He was able to separate his career from his personal life.”

Scott and his Academy classmate, Joe Wolf, I.D. 11623, remained close friends despite their assignments to different parts of the state. “We went on vacations together and he was my best man at my wedding,” Joe said. “He set the bar high for himself and everyone else. He also had the guts to say what was right and what was wrong. He was the most squared-away and meticulous person I know.” 

“Scott was able to speak his mind, kept everything under control, kept in check and didn’t get emotional,” said Flahaven. “This is a sad loss for everyone.”

Most of Scott’s friends and co-workers knew that his wife, Lynn, has been battling breast cancer since early this year. A supervisor at the Folsom Police Department Dispatch, she is surrounded by a huge support network. “Lynn is an amazing woman,” said Flahaven. “She has so much strength; she has the biggest heart.”

“They were in that battle together,” said Corso. “Scott was a wonderful caregiver. He was unbelievable.”

“They shaved their heads together when Lynn was undergoing chemotherapy,” said Flahaven. “He gave us all a great photo of the two of them.”

Scott and Lynn loved to entertain. They especially loved the Christmas holidays and filled their home with decorations. “People were always at their house. They would open their home to everyone on Christmas,” said Flahaven.

“If you were his friend you were blessed,” said Corso. “I lost my best friend. My life will never be the same.”

“Every big-life decision I’ve made I’ve run by him,” said Wolf. “We were robbed of a great officer and a great person.” 

Scott’s funeral service was held in Roseville, Calif., on Aug. 6, 2007, and he was buried in Bridgeport. Corso accompanied Lynn in the procession through the Sierras and South Lake Tahoe. “Scott gave me a different perspective about law enforcement,” he said. “As we went through little towns, police, firefighters and citizens lined the streets and waved. In South Lake Tahoe at the intersection of Highway 50 and 89, they were lined up on both sides for a mile. Lynn was so overwhelmed, she cried the entire time.”

“The CHP just lost one hell of an officer,” Corso said.

Scott, 46, graduated from the CHP Academy in October 1985 and worked in Hayward, Bridgeport and the Investigative Services Section before transferring to the Placerville Area in 2000.

Scott is survived by his wife, Lynn; mother, Betty Elliott; and many other family and friends.

The following slideshows are pictures from Officer Russell’s funeral, which was held Aug. 6, 2007, at the Adventure Christian Church in Roseville, Calif.