Remembering CHP's Finest - Erick Manny (12/21/2005)

Officer Erick Manny, I.D. 16508, of the Ft. Tejon Area, was fatally injured in a rollover accident on Dec. 21, at approximately 11:15 a.m.

He had called dispatch on a failure to yield, while on northbound I-5, near the Grapevine exit. Soon afterward, he apparently was cut off by a truck and in an effort to avoid it, swerved and the vehicle rolled several times, killing him instantly.

Officer Manny, 35, graduated from the Academy in 2001. He leaves behind his wife, Ronina, son Toran, 11, and daughter Teagan, 8.

The funeral for Officer Manny will be held Wednesday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m., at Valley Baptist Church, 4800 Fruitvale Ave., Bakersfield.

Officer Manny Remembered as Family Man

Erick Manny at the 2005 CAHP Softball Tournament.

Officer Erick Manny, I.D. 16508, of the Ft. Tejon Area, was fatally injured in a rollover accident on Dec. 21, at approximately 11:15 a.m. He had called dispatch on a failure to yield, while on northbound I-5, near the Grapevine exit. Soon afterward, he apparently was cut off by a truck and in an effort to avoid it, swerved and the vehicle rolled several times, killing him instantly.

Erick was born May 24, 1970, in Bakersfield, where he grew up and attended Highland High School. A three-sport athlete in high school, he participated in baseball, football and wrestling. Later, Erick studied Fire Science at Bakersfield College, while continuing to play baseball. In 1991, he completed an Emergency Medical Technician program, and began working for an ambulance company. In 1994, he completed a paramedic program and worked in the emergency medical field for the next six years. While working on an ambulance crew, Erick made friends with several CHP officers who encouraged him to pursue a career with the CHP. He entered the Academy in November 2000, and upon graduation in May 2001, was assigned to the Fort Tejon Area office, where he spent his entire CHP career.

Officer Chris Martin, I.D. 16920, came to Ft. Tejon in 2003, and Erick was one of the first to ask him to ride along with him. “I spent an entire day with him while he showed me every inch of the area and he made me feel welcome. He did things like invite me into the carpool from Bakersfield,” Chris said. Through their nonstop conversation that first day, they discovered they both played baseball at the same college, although different years, and they ended up on the same softball team, the Kern Blues. The Blues have competed in the CAHP Softball Tournament for years. Chris added, “Erick was one of those people who sets an example for what we all want to be, as a friend, husband and father.”

Martin also wondered, “How did he do it all?” “He was there for me all the time. He also traveled all the time with his daughter for cheerleading and gymnastics competitions. Padley remembers all the times Erick would take his son to Dodgers games in Los Angeles.

Officer Aaron Stacy, I.D. 16241, said, “He was an absolute friend of everybody’s, plus he was a pretty good poker buddy.” Erick was the squad club president and last year raised more money for the Widows and Orphans’ Fund than their office ever had before. “He loved setting up everything. He was really easygoing,” said Stacy.

Stacy is impressed with the composure Erick’s son has showed since his father’s death. “We’re a close-knit group of guys in this office,” Stacy said. “Erick’s son asked who’s going to mow the lawn now, and we told him he has 24 new uncles who will take care of things for his family.”

Officer Ron Padley, I.D. 16066, was a graveyard partner of Manny’s. “He never complained about work, was never afraid to come across a new situation. I never saw any worry coming from him. He did everything with determination and focus, and did more than he had to. He cared a lot about the people he would contact out there,” he said. “He was loved in the office, and he was a family man. He met all his goals in life,” he added.

Support from the Department and the community is appreciated during a time like this. “We’re comforted by the response from the Department,” Martin said. “All the support from the community and the Department has been excellent,” echoed Padley.

Sgt. Mark Rhoades, I.D. 9242, of the Ft. Tejon Area, said, “Erick was well liked. He was one of those guys who was a rock on the squad. He will be missed by everyone.”

He leaves behind his wife, Ronina; son, Toran, 11; daughter, Teagan, 7; mother, Connie J. Cummings; father, Albert B. Manny; sister, Brittany Bailey; and many other relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the entire CHP family.