Line of Duty

Overview

Remembering CHP’s Finest

Since the California Highway Patrol was formed in August 1929, 232 officers have been killed on the job.

We are humbled by the strength of character and pride that each of these officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice possessed, and find ourselves inspired by the lives they led. They will never be forgotten.

Line of Duty

CHP family mourns the loss of Officer Andy Ornelas
2020

Updated with Memorial Photos

The CAHP mourns the loss of Antelope Valley CHP Officer Andy Ornelas, I.D. 21685, who was injured on Nov. 23, 2020, and passed away Dec. 2.

Line of Duty

Officer Andre Moye Jr Killed by Gunman
2019

Officer Andre Moye, Jr.Officer Andre Moye Jr, I.D. 21641, of Riverside Area, was conducting a traffic stop in Riverside Monday evening, Aug. 12, 2019, when he was shot by the driver of the vehicle. Two other CHP officers, Ryan Smith, ID 20668, and Robert Paul, 20945, responded to the scene and were struck by gunfire during the shootout. Additional CHP units and the Riverside Police Department responded to the scene. The suspect was hit by return gunfire and succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Line of Duty

Sergeant Steve Licon Killed by Suspected Drunken Driver
2019

On April 6, 2019, at approximately 4:26 PM, Sgt. Steve Licon, I.D. 13348, from the CHP Riverside Area office, was on a traffic stop behind a Chrysler sedan, southbound on I-15, north of Nichols Road. A gray Toyota Corolla was traveling on the right shoulder of southbound I-15 and collided into the CHP motorcycle, Sergeant Licon, and the Chrysler. Sergeant Licon suffered major injuries and was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Riverside, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver, who was the solo occupant in the Toyota, suffered minor injuries, and the four occupants of the Chrysler sedan were uninjured. The driver of the Toyota was arrested for multiple charges, including suspicion of driving under the influence.

Line of Duty

The CHP family mourns loss of Officer Kirk Griess
2018

Officer Kirk GriessOn August 10, 2018, at approximately 9:01 AM, CHP motorcycle Officer Kirk Griess, #15810, was on a traffic stop behind an SUV on the right shoulder of westbound I-80, near Manuel Campos Parkway, when for still to be determined reasons, a white Chevrolet pickup truck veered towards his location. The pickup then collided with the CHP motorcycle, Officer Griess, and the SUV.

Sadly, Officer Griess did not survive his injuries. Kirk was a well-respected member of his Vacaville community. He was also a well-loved and respected veteran officer with over 19 years of experience with the California Highway Patrol.

Line of Duty

The CHP family mourns loss of Officer Camilleri on Christmas Eve
2017

The CHP family is deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Andrew Camilleri, I.D. 21653, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2017, at approximately 11:32 p.m. Officer Camilleri, of Hayward Area, gave his life in sacrifice for the community in which he served.

Officer Camilleri and Officer Jonathan Velasquez, I.D. 21318, were stopped in their patrol vehicle within the reverse gore of the Winton Avenue onramp to I-880 southbound. A driver drifted off the road from I-880 and struck the right rear of the patrol vehicle.

Line of Duty

CHP Family Mourns Officer Lucas Forrest Chellew
2017

The CHP family mourns the loss of Officer Lucas Forrest Chellew, I.D. 19402, who was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 22, 2017.  Officer Chellew, 31, was involved in a traffic collision while in pursuit of a motorist in South Sacramento. Officer Chellew suffered major injuries and was transported to University of California, Davis, Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Line of Duty

Officer Nathan Taylor, I.D. 20154
2016

On Saturday, March 12, 2016, at approximately 1425 hours, Gold Run Area Officer Nathan Taylor, ID 20154, was providing traffic control at the scene of a collision on Interstate 80 westbound at Castle Peak Road. Officer Taylor was directing traffic from the #1 lane into the #2 lane of Interstate 80 westbound in heavy snow conditions. As he was directing traffic, a Nissan Pathfinder approached his location. The Nissan changed from the #2 lane to the #1 lane to pass the slowing traffic. The driver, for unknown reasons, lost control of the vehicle and struck Officer Taylor.

Line of Duty
Juan Gonzalez - ID 18935

Juan Gonzalez
2014

Shortly after 6:00 a.m. on February 17, 2014, CHP Officer Juan Gonzalez, I.D. 18935, and Officer Brian Law, I.D. 18896, were killed in a traffic collision on southbound SR-99 near Kingsburg, Calif., while responding to an incident. The officers, who were classmates at the Academy, were working as partners in the same patrol car.

Line of Duty
Brian Law - ID 18896

Brian Law
2014

Shortly after 6:00 a.m. on February 17, 2014, CHP Officer Juan Gonzalez, I.D. 18935, and Officer Brian Law, I.D. 18896, were killed in a traffic collision on southbound SR-99 near Kingsburg, Calif., while responding to an incident. The officers, who were classmates at the Academy, were working as partners in the same patrol car.

Line of Duty 09/04/2012

Kenyon Youngstrom
2012

Officer Youngstrom killed during enforcement stop

September 5, at approximately 6:05 PM. CHP Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, I.D. 18063, was pronounced deceased.

Officer Youngstrom entered the CHP Academy in August 2005 and was assigned to the CHP’s Contra Costa Area upon graduation in February 2006. He transferred to the CHP’s Golden Gate Division headquarters in January 2009 and most recently transferred back to the Contra Costa Area office on Aug. 1, 2012. 

Line of Duty

Thomas Adams
2011

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

​On February 15, 2011, California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Adams (#19365) of the Garberville Area office was killed in a collision while traveling on U.S. 101 just south of the town of Piercy California. Officer Adams was 24 years of age. He grew up in the San Francisco area and is survived by his parents Bruce and Karen Adams, and his brother, Sean Adams. His mother, Karen, is a public safety dispatcher for the CHP who is assigned to the Humboldt Communications Center. Officer Adams was assigned to the Oakland Area office upon graduation from the Academy on January 23, 2009 and transferred to the Garberville Area office September 1, 2010.

Line of Duty
Brett Oswald - ID 13164

Brett Oswald
2010

Officer Oswald dies after being hit by out-of-control car

On Sunday at 5:54 p.m., June 27, 2010, Officer Brett Oswald, I.D. 13164, of Templeton Area, responded to an abandoned vehicle partially blocking the southbound lane of South River Road. Upon arriving at the scene, he started the removal process. Officer Oswald, 47, positioned his vehicle just behind the vehicle in the roadway on southbound River Rd., and waited for a tow truck. Shortly thereafter,a Toyota Corolla driven by a 22-year-old woman crossed over the double yellow lines and struck Officer Oswald and the parked patrol vehicle at the driver’s door area.  Officer Oswald was thrown onto the hood of the Corolla. Oswald was transported to Twin Cities Community Hospital for treatment and succumbed to his injuries at 8:30 p.m.  He is survived by his wife.

Line of Duty
Justin McGrory - ID 18606

Justin McGrory
2010

Officer McGrory killed during enforcement stop

On June 27, 2010, at approximately 3:38 AM, Officer Justin McGrory, I.D. 18606, and Officer Ryan Bostrom, I.D. 18541, from Barstow Area, were on a traffic stop on northbound I-15, when a red 2009 Pontiac G6, driven by Rafael Garcia, 18, of Las Vegas, Nev., veered onto the right shoulder, clipped the right rear of the patrol vehicle, then continued and struck Officer McGrory.

Line of Duty
Philip Ortiz - ID 10428

Philip Ortiz
2010

CHP Officer struck while conducting an enforcement stop

On June 9, 2010, California Highway Patrol Officer Philip Ortiz was conducting an enforcement stop on the right shoulder of northbound I-405 (San Diego Freeway) south of National Boulevard. During the enforcement stop Officer Ortiz was struck from behind by a vehicle being driven on the right shoulder of the freeway. As a result of the collision, Officer Ortiz sustained major injuries.

He succumbed to his injuries on June 22, 2010.

Line of Duty
Tom Coleman - ID 17338

Tom Coleman
2010

CHP officer killed in collision while responding to high-speed

Early in the morning of Friday, June 11, 2010, Officer Tom Coleman, I.D. 17338, sustained fatal injuries in a collision while on his Departmental motorcycle. At approximately 6:28 a.m., Officer Coleman initiated a traffic stop on a silver Ford Focus for a traffic violation in the city of Redlands. The Ford Focus fled from Officer Coleman, committing numerous traffic violations at a high rate of speed. Officer Colemen had his lights and siren activated.

Line of Duty
Dan Benavides - ID 15193

Dan Benavides
2010

CHP Flight Officer Dies in Plane Crash

California Highway Patrol Officer Danny Benavides was killed Friday, May 7, 2010, when his Cessna 206 patrol aircraft crashed in a remote section of desert southwest of the Salton Sea in Imperial County.

Line of Duty

Jarrod Martinez
2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

​On October 29, 2009, at approximately 1210 hours, while returning home from the Area office after testifying in court, Officer Jarrod Martinez, I.D. 19081, was riding his personal motorcycle W/B on Steele Street at Foxen Canyon Road when another vehicle crossed over double yellow lines directly into his path. Officer Martinez took evasive action causing him to be ejected from his motorcycle. Officer Martinez was then struck by the errant vehicle causing fatal injuries. He is survived by his wife, daughter, sister, and his parents.

Line of Duty
Joseph P. Sanders - ID 18781

Joseph P. Sanders
2008

Officer Sanders Struck by Car on Rain-Slicked Freeway

Monday, December 15, 2008

On Monday, December 15, 2008, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Officer Joseph Paul Sanders, I.D. 18781, of Santa Fe Springs Area, was struck by a car while laying a flare pattern in heavy rain. He was life-flighted to USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Line of Duty
John P. Miller - ID 18414

John P. Miller
2007

Officer Miller Dies During Search for DUI Suspect

Friday, November 16, 2007

Officer John P. Miller, I.D. 18414, was killed Nov. 16, 2007, while responding to a pursuit involving a suspected drunken driver. He was on a county road in Livermore when his patrol car hit a tree.

Three CHP units were responding to a call to be on the lookout for a suspected drunken driver. Livermore Police Dept. located the driver and Miller was en route to the freeway to engage in pursuit.

Line of Duty

Douglas S. Russell
2007

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

​Officer Russell, I.D. 11619, had just deployed a spike strip on the roadway and taken cover in the center median when the suspect deliberately swerved into the center median and struck Officer Russell. Officer Russell died as a result of being struck. The suspect fled the scene and was apprehended shortly after by CHP officers. 

Officer Russell was flown to UCD, in Sacramento, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Officer Russell is survived by his wife.

Line of Duty
Robert F. Dickey - ID 17001

Robert F. Dickey
2007

CHP Family Mourns the Loss of Officer Robert Dickey

Sunday, June 10, 2007

It was already a hot morning in Winterhaven on Sunday, June 10. Officer Robert Dickey, I.D. 17001, was patrolling Interstate 8 when the tire on his patrol vehicle was punctured and his car flipped several times, damaging it so much it was barely recognizable as a CHP car.

Line of Duty
Brent W. Clearman - ID 17843

Brent W. Clearman
2006

Officer Clearman Dies After Hit-and-Run

Sunday, August 6, 2006

Officer Brent William Clearman, I.D. 17843, died Sunday morning, Aug. 6, 2006, from massive internal injuries suffered as a result of a hit-and-run accident at 10:55 p.m. the night before. He was struck while conducting an investigation of a collision on the 66th Ave. on-ramp to northbound Interstate 880 in Oakland.

The driver of the car that hit him turned himself in on Monday afternoon and will face multiple charges.

Line of Duty

Gregory John Bailey
2006

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Officer Bailey was on an enforcement stop on the right shoulder of northbound I-15 south of Ranchero Road. While speaking with the violator, an errant driver struck Officer Bailey’s motorcycle, the violator’s vehicle, and Officer Bailey. Officer Bailey was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center via helicopter where he succumbed to his injuries at 2346 hours. 

Line of Duty

Earl Scott
2006

Friday, February 17, 2006

​Officer Earl Scott made a traffic stop on SR-99 in Ripon, CA. During the traffic stop, Officer Scott was shot and killed. The suspect subsequently fled the scene.

Line of Duty

Michael Walker
2005

Saturday, December 31, 2005

​Lieutenant Michael E. Walker was struck and killed by a vehicle while at the scene of an earlier accident on state Highway 17 near Santa Cruz.
A Caltrans employee was also struck and seriously injured by the vehicle when the driver lost control at approximately 10:15 PM. The driver of the vehicle was killed in the accident.

Lieutenant Walker is survived by his wife, two daughters, and three brothers. One of Lieutenant Walkers brothers, Robert (Bob) Walker, is an Officer of the Department assigned to the Auburn Area.

Line of Duty

Erick Manny
2005

​On December 21, 2005, at approximately 1115 hours, Officer Erick Manny was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in Kern County (Grapevine Overpass) in pursuit of an unknown vehicle. Preliminary information indicates that Officer Manny took evasive action when a truck changed lanes into his path. Officer Manny’s patrol vehicle subsequently overturned and he sustained fatal injuries.

Officer Manny is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Line of Duty

Andrew Stevens
2005

Thursday, November 17, 2005

​On November 17, 2005, Officer Andrew Stevens made a traffic stop near the intersection of County Road 96 at Highway 16. During the traffic stop, Officer Stevens was shot and killed. The suspect subsequently fled the scene. Passing motorists who witnessed the incident used Officer Stevens’ radio to call for assistance. 

The suspect was arrested early the next morning with the assistance of several allied agencies. 

Officer Stevens is survived by his wife.

Line of Duty

David M. Romero
2005

Friday, September 23, 2005

​On September 23, 2005, at 0953 hours, Officer David Marin Romero, #10116, was on patrol, stopped at a red traffic signal in the left hand turn lane on northbound Turnbull Canyon Road at Valley Boulevard in the City of Industry. 

Line of Duty
James Goodman - ID 11144

James Goodman
2004

Motor Officer Dies in Tragic Collision

Thursday, June 3, 2004

Some people are lucky enough to have names that describe them perfectly. Officer James Goodman, I.D. 11144, was such a person. A 20-year CHP veteran, Goodman was known for his dedication and bravery, and earned the Medal of Valor for his heroic efforts to save victims after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.

Line of Duty
Thomas J. Steiner - ID 15729

Thomas J. Steiner
2004

CHP Family Mourns Loss of Officer in Shooting Death

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Officer Thomas J. Steiner, I.D. 15729, was gunned down in front of a Pomona courthouse April 21 at approximately 2:45 p.m. Steiner had finished testifying in a series of traffic cases and was walking to his car. As he was about to cross the street, a car stopped, the driver got out, leaned over the hood, yelled obscenities at Steiner and fired four shots at him. The killer got back into his vehicle and sped away.

Line of Duty
Paul Pino - ID 9735

Paul Pino
2003

Officer Pino Remembered for His Dedication to the CHP

Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Officer Paul Pino died the morning of Dec. 30, 2003. It was in between early winter storms on Highway 395, a beautiful stretch of road shadowed by Mt. Whitney, east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is the main route used by Southern California winter sports enthusiasts on their way to Mammoth Mountain or Lake Tahoe. That morning a young driver in a SUV, fighting to stay awake after a night of partying, was headed north — and headed toward disaster.

Line of Duty
Dean Beattie - ID 9490

Dean Beattie
2003

Officer Beattie Mourned after Deadly Collision

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Officer Dean Beattie, I.D. 9490, had about an hour to go until the end of his shift on Nov. 19. He was patrolling state Route 163 in San Diego on his motorcycle when something went terribly wrong.

Beattie, 46, was killed in a collision with a slow-moving recycling dump truck traveling ahead of him.

Line of Duty
Robert Coulter - ID 12941

Robert Coulter
2003

Officer Dies in Tragic Accident

Sunday, November 2, 2003

In a small town, it’s easy to get to know the local law enforcement officers, especially when they are friendly and helpful and active in the community. So the tight-knit town of Weaverville was in mourning when Officer Robert Coulter, I.D. 12941, died in a tragic accident. Coulter, 39, died Nov. 2 after his shotgun apparently discharged unintentionally while he was locking it into place in his patrol car.

Line of Duty
Shannon Distel - ID 15357

Shannon Distel
2003

Motor Officer Killed in Collision

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Officer Shannon Distel, I.D. 15357, of the Riverside Area, was killed Wednesday, Aug. 27, when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck pulling a trailer. Investigators say Distel, 31, was patrolling on surface streets in Riverside at 4:15 p.m. when the driver of the pickup turned left in front of Distel at a busy intersection, causing Distel to run into it.

Line of Duty
John Pedro - ID 12918

John Pedro
2002

Officer Pedro Remembered for Dedicated Service and Love of Music

Monday, June 3, 2002

Hundreds crowded into the large Twin Lakes Church in Aptos to honor Officer John Pedro. Despite the enormous assembly, the mood was quiet as a tuba quintet, The Bay Area Tuba Union, played a selection of classical pieces. John, a band member in the Air Force Reserves, was partial to tuba music.

Officer Pedro died June 3, two weeks shy of his 37th birthday. He is the 193rd patrolman to die in the line of duty since the Department formed in 1929.

Line of Duty
Stephen Linen - ID 13812

Stephen Linen
2001

CHP Loses Hero In Line Of Duty

Sunday, August 12, 2001

Tragedy struck the Oceanside Area again with the Aug. 12 on-duty death of Officer Steve Linen, I.D. 13812.

The 31-year-old officer was issuing a ticket to a speeder on northbound Interstate 5 in Leucadia when an underage, suspected drunken driver slammed into the back of the patrol unit, killing Officer Linen.

Line of Duty
Gary Wagers - ID 9221

Gary Wagers
2001

Sergeant Gary Wagers

Thursday, March 15, 2001

Line of Duty
Sean Nava - ID 12890

Sean Nava
2000

Officer Sean Nava

Saturday, October 28, 2000

Described as a big man with a big heart, a great individual and a devoted family man, Sean Nava, I.D. 12890, was well known for his courage and professionalism.

“He wasn’t just good at the technical aspects of policing,” said Oceanside Public Affairs Officer Teri Reese, I.D. 11861, in a newspaper interview. “He was the whole package and a wonderful team player.”

Line of Duty

David Irwin
2000

Officer Dies After On-Duty Motorcycle Collision

Monday, September 18, 2000

Line of Duty
Christopher Lydon - ID 14752

Christopher Lydon
1998

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Friday, June 5, 1998

Line of Duty
Britt T. Irvine - ID 10657

Britt T. Irvine
1998

Officers Drown After Patrol Vehicle Plunges Into Swollen River

Tuesday, February 24, 1998

Line of Duty
Ricky B. Stovall - ID 9623

Ricky B. Stovall
1998

Officers Drown After Patrol Vehicle Plunges Into Swollen River

Tuesday, February 24, 1998

Line of Duty
Scott M. Greenly - ID 14325

Scott M. Greenly
1998

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road

Wednesday, January 7, 1998

Line of Duty
Daniel Muehlhausen - ID 13933

Daniel Muehlhausen
1997

CHP Officer Killed in Head-On Collision

Sunday, June 1, 1997

Line of Duty
Saul Martinez - ID 12555

Saul Martinez
1997

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road After Saving Partner

Thursday, May 15, 1997

Line of Duty
James D. Schultz - ID 7911

James D. Schultz
1996

CHP officer killed on side of road by sleepy driver

Friday, November 15, 1996

Officer James D. Schultz and his partner, Officer Robert Sapp, were investigating an abandoned vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 8 when a sleepy driver’s vehicle drifted toward the right shoulder, where the trailer he was towing struck Schultz. Officer Sapp immediately began emergency medical care on the 46-year-old patrolman and Schultz was quickly transported to the hospital, but he died just hours later. Officer Schultz was a 24-year CHP veteran.

Line of Duty
Noreen A. Vargas - ID 12532

Noreen A. Vargas
1996

First Female CHP Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

Friday, November 8, 1996

Line of Duty
Reuben F. Rios - ID 8592

Reuben F. Rios
1996

CHP officer killed by intoxicated motorist

Saturday, October 26, 1996

Line of Duty
Don Burt - ID 13892

Don Burt
1996

CHP officer shot to death

Saturday, July 13, 1996

Line of Duty
David W. Manning - ID 12246

David W. Manning
1996

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Thursday, February 15, 1996

Line of Duty
Artie J. Hubbard - ID 8774

Artie J. Hubbard
1995

CHP Officer Dies After Extensive Injuries

Friday, December 8, 1995

Line of Duty
Bruce T. Hinman - ID 11820

Bruce T. Hinman
1995

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road

Tuesday, October 3, 1995

Line of Duty
Richard A. Maxwell - ID 12785

Richard A. Maxwell
1994

CHP Officer Shot to Death

Monday, July 11, 1994

Line of Duty
Larry J. Jaramillo - ID 11663

Larry J. Jaramillo
1993

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, June 22, 1993

Line of Duty
John L. Steel - ID 8018

John L. Steel
1993

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Friday, April 23, 1993

Line of Duty
John N. McVeigh, Jr - ID 9752

John N. McVeigh, Jr.
1993

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Saturday, April 17, 1993

Officer John N. McVeigh, Jr. was responding to an injury collision when he lost control of his patrol car as it rounded a curve. McVeigh’s patrol car spun into the opposing lane of traffic where it was struck broadside by an oncoming pick-up. Although McVeigh was securely belted in his seat and his air bag deployed, the force of the impact killed the 38-year-old officer instantly. Officer McVeigh was a 13-year veteran of the CHP and a 1992 King City Officer of the Year.

Line of Duty
Fidel Aleman - ID 11328

Fidel Aleman
1992

CHP officer shot to death

Thursday, July 23, 1992

Line of Duty
James C. O'Connor - ID 10404

James C. O’Connor
1990

CHP Officer Killed in Head-On Collision

Thursday, November 15, 1990

Line of Duty
Hugo Olazar - ID 10371

Hugo Olazar
1989

CHP Officer Killed by Intoxicated Motorist

Saturday, September 2, 1989

Line of Duty
John C. Helmick - ID 6960

John C. Helmick
1989

CHP Lieutenant Killed in Collision

Monday, February 27, 1989

Lieutenant John C. Helmick, Red Bluff Area commander, was killed when the car he was driving crashed into a Caltrans truck parked on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 99. Lieutenant Helmick, 43, was on his way to speak at a luncheon of the Oroville Rotary Club when the accident occurred at 11:10 a.m. He was a 20-year CHP veteran and had been commander of the Red Bluff Area for three years. Lieutenant Helmick was the brother of CHP Commissioner Dwight (Spike) Helmick (7308).

Line of Duty
Mark T. Taylor - ID 11558

Mark T. Taylor
1987

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road

Thursday, November 26, 1987

Officer Mark T. Taylor was on Thanksgiving holiday patrol along Interstate 10 near Palm Springs when he made an enforcement stop. Taylor was completing the citation when an elderly motorist struck the vehicle being cited which in turn struck Taylor, throwing him into the path of the elderly motorist where he was struck again. The 28-year-old patrol officer was killed instantly. Taylor had been a member of the CHP for three years and was assigned to Indio after Academy training.

Line of Duty
Terry W. Autrey - ID 11929

Terry W. Autrey
1987

CHP officer killed in collision

Wednesday, September 30, 1987

Line of Duty
Michael A. Brandt - ID 9483

Michael A. Brandt
1987

CHP officer killed in collision

Monday, April 6, 1987

Line of Duty
George F. Butler - ID 4854

George F. Butler
1986

CHP officer killed in helicopter accident

Monday, December 8, 1986

Line of Duty
Dean J. Esquibel - ID 11289

Dean J. Esquibel
1985

CHP officer killed in collision

Wednesday, August 21, 1985

Line of Duty
Raymond E. Miller - ID 7272

Raymond E. Miller
1985

Officer Dies After Collision on Side of Road

Wednesday, August 14, 1985

Line of Duty
David W. Copleman - ID 10503

David W. Copleman
1985

CHP officer killed in head-on collision

Saturday, April 6, 1985

Line of Duty
Dale E. Newby - ID 5519

Dale E. Newby
1982

CHP Officer Shot to Death

Saturday, July 17, 1982

Line of Duty
Kenneth L. Archer - ID 7255

Kenneth L. Archer
1982

CHP officers killed in helicopter crash

Wednesday, February 24, 1982

Line of Duty
George R. Carey - ID 4044

George R. Carey
1982

CHP officers killed in helicopter crash

Wednesday, February 24, 1982

Line of Duty
Johnny R. Martinez - ID 8813

Johnny R. Martinez
1981

CHP Officer Shot to Death

Friday, October 2, 1981

Line of Duty
J.J. Schumacher, Jr - ID 7164

J.J. Schumacher, Jr.
1981

CHP officer killed on side of road

Saturday, June 13, 1981

Line of Duty
Paul C. Jarske - ID 3493

Paul C. Jarske
1981

CHP Officer Drowned After Vehicle Submerged in Creek

Tuesday, February 24, 1981

Officer Paul C. Jarske was driving in snow-slush conditions when he lost control of his vehicle. Jarske’s patrol car skidded and left the highway, struck several obstructions then plunged into a creek, landing upside down. Officer Jarske was submerged in the water and drowned. The 47-year-old officer was a 17-year veteran of the Patrol.

Line of Duty
Gerald E. Dormaier - ID 4654

Gerald E. Dormaier
1980

CHP officer killed on side of road

Thursday, December 25, 1980

Line of Duty
Ernest R. Felio - ID 3202

Ernest R. Felio
1980

CHP Officer Shot to Death

Sunday, September 7, 1980

Officer Ernest R. Felio was on routine patrol when he was shot and killed by a motorist he stopped for questioning. A security guard at a nearby farming operation testified he heard a brief conversation between the motorist and the officer, then heard the sound of two shots. The 49-year-old patrol officer was an 18-year CHP veteran who served 17 years at the Crescent City Area office. A description provided by the security guard led to the capture of Felio’s killer.

Line of Duty
Donald R. Holloway - ID 6745

Donald R. Holloway
1980

CHP Officer Killed in Airplane Crash

Thursday, January 3, 1980

Officer Donald R. Holloway, a licensed private pilot, was using his personal aircraft to fly to a court appearance where he was testifying in a criminal case. Holloway was returning to his home in Coalinga when his aircraft crashed, killing him instantly. The 37-year-old patrol officer had been a member of the Patrol for 11 years.

Line of Duty
Roy P. Blecher - ID 2455

Roy P. Blecher
1978

CHP officers shot and killed

Friday, December 22, 1978

Line of Duty
William M. Freeman - ID 4885

William M. Freeman
1978

CHP Officers Shot and Killed

Friday, December 22, 1978

Line of Duty
James E. McCabe - ID 7801

James E. McCabe
1978

CHP Officers Killed in Helicopter Crash

Friday, September 1, 1978

Line of Duty
Gayle W. Wood - ID 6746

Gayle W. Wood
1978

CHP Officers Killed in Helicopter Crash

Friday, September 1, 1978

Line of Duty
Ward E. Washington - ID 6989

Ward E. Washington
1978

CHP Officer Killed by Out-of-Control Truck

Monday, July 10, 1978

Officer Ward E. Washington was killed when a truck blew a tire and the driver lost control, hurtling the truck off the Pomona Freeway and striking Officer Washington as he was having lunch at an outdoor restaurant. Ironically, Washington, 39, had been assigned to reduce truck accidents by inspecting the vehicles in truck yards and on the roads for safety violations.

Line of Duty

William F. Leiphardt, Jr.
1978

CHP Officers Killed on Side of Road

Saturday, May 13, 1978

Line of Duty
Harold E. Horine - ID 6686

Harold E. Horine
1978

CHP Officers Killed on Side of Road

Saturday, May 13, 1978

Line of Duty
William B. Wolff, III - ID 8342

William B. Wolff, III
1977

CHP Officer Killed in Roadside Collision

Friday, December 30, 1977

Officer William B. Wolff, III was returning to his vehicle after making an enforcement stop along the San Bernardino Freeway when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. The force of the impact was such that Wolff was thrown over the vehicle he cited and was killed instantly. The 32-year-old patrol officer had joined the CHP four years earlier and had served in the Baldwin Park Area since graduating from the Academy. The motorist who killed Officer Wolff was charged with felony drunk driving.

Line of Duty
George W. Redding - ID 4282

George W. Redding
1977

CHP officer killed in accident involving a downed telephone pole

Wednesday, August 17, 1977

Line of Duty
Arthur E. Dunn - ID 3318

Arthur E. Dunn
1977

CHP officer shot and killed

Saturday, July 9, 1977

Line of Duty

Edward A. Parker III
1977

CHP officer died after on-duty heart attack

Monday, May 2, 1977

Officer Edward A. Parker III was found slumped over the wheel of his patrol car after suffering a heart attack following the pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist in Riverside. Parker was rushed to the hospital but suffered two more heart attacks and died. Officer Parker, 33, was an 11-year veteran of the CHP.

Line of Duty
Gary L. Hughes - ID 3401

Gary L. Hughes
1976

Sunday, May 23, 1976

Line of Duty
Alfred R. Turner - ID 6185

Alfred R. Turner
1975

CHP Officer Dies After Shot at Traffic Stop

Tuesday, December 16, 1975

Line of Duty

Frederick W. Enright
1975

CHP officers killed in helicopter crash

Friday, June 27, 1975

Line of Duty
Adolfo Hernandez - ID 4876

Adolfo Hernandez
1975

CHP Officers Killed in Helicopter Crash

Friday, June 27, 1975

Line of Duty
Robert A. Phillips - ID 5808

Robert A. Phillips
1975

CHP officer killed in motorcycle malfunction

Monday, January 6, 1975

Officer Robert A. Phillips was patrolling on his motorcycle when the rear tire blew out, causing him to lose control. Phillips motorcycle spun around, throwing him to the ground and killing the 29-year-old patrol officer instantly. Officer Phillips had been a member of the CHP for eight years.

Line of Duty
David A. Jack - ID

David A. Jack
1974

State Police Officer Shot and Killed

Monday, October 21, 1974

Line of Duty
Keith M. Giles - ID 7403

Keith M. Giles
1974

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road

Sunday, August 25, 1974

Officer Keith M. Giles was patrolling on the graveyard shift and stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation shortly after 2 a.m. Giles was standing on the left side of the stopped vehicle when a passing car drifted over the edge of the roadway and struck the patrol officer, killing him almost instantly. The errant driver apparently dozed off and may have been driving under the influence of alcohol. Officer Giles, 34, was a four-year member of the CHP.

Line of Duty

Ralph D. Percival
1974

Monday, June 3, 1974

​Officer Ralph D. Percival had just completed writing a citation to a traffic violator and was returning to his motorcycle when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. The 44-year-old patrol officer was a 17-year CHP veteran and had worked most of his career out of the Redwood City Area office.

Line of Duty
Gerald N. Harris - ID 5554

Gerald N. Harris
1974

CHP Officer Died From Injuries After Struck by Car While Directing Traffic

Wednesday, February 27, 1974

Line of Duty
Elias S. Enriquez - ID

Elias S. Enriquez
1974

State Police Sergeant slipped and drowned while patrolling the California Aqueduct

Wednesday, January 23, 1974

State Police Sergeant Elias S. Enriquez was patrolling the California Aqueduct in the afternoon when he apparently slipped, fell into the canal and drowned. Investigators believe he was walking along the concrete lining of the canal and wrapping illegal fishing line around his hand that he retrieved from the canal when he fell into the water. Sergeant Enriquez was 32.

Line of Duty
Robert H. Harrison - ID 7812

Robert H. Harrison
1974

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Friday, January 11, 1974

Officer Robert H. Harrison, Jr. and his partner, Officer Robert Wertman, were pursuing a drunk-driving suspect when a motorist changed lanes abruptly in front of the patrol car. Harrison struck the rear of the vehicle and the impact propelled the patrol car over the edge of the freeway into the bottom of Arroyo Seco channel 25 feet below. Office Wertman survived his injuries, but Officer Harrison was killed. He was 26 and a four-year member of the Patrol.

Line of Duty
William P. Sniffen - ID 4464

William P. Sniffen
1973

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Thursday, April 5, 1973

Officer William P. Sniffen was pursuing a speeding motorist on the Nimitz Freeway when the vehicle rear-ended another car that was stopped for a previous collision and then burst into flames. Sniffen lost control and his motorcycle was thrown under the burning vehicle, killing the 31-year-old patrol officer almost instantly. Officer Sniffen was a seven-year member of the CHP and had served previously in San Leandro and Oakland.

Line of Duty
Larry L. Wetterling - ID 5966

Larry L. Wetterling
1973

CHP Officer Shot by Motorist

Friday, March 9, 1973

Officer Larry L. Wetterling was fatally shot by a motorist he stopped in San Bernardino for suspected drunk driving. After shooting Wetterling, the motorist stole the patrol officer’s car, but rolled over as he raced away. He later killed two other people before he was captured. Officer Wetterling, 30, had been a member of the Patrol for six years and transferred to San Bernardino from Riverside

Line of Duty
William D. McKim - ID 1576

William D. McKim
1973

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, February 6, 1973

Officer William D. McKim, assigned to the Coyote Scale Facility near San Jose, was pursuing a commercial vehicle violator when his patrol car crossed the center divider on U.S. Highway 101 and was struck by a truck and trailer. The 50-year-old patrol officer was killed instantly. McKim, a veteran of 19 years service with the CHP, had been assigned to San Jose for 17 years. Before joining the CHP, McKim had been a firefighter with the city of Modesto.

Line of Duty
Kenneth A. Roediger - ID 7531

Kenneth A. Roediger
1972

CHP officer shot after struggle

Saturday, August 5, 1972

Officer Kenneth G. Roediger and his partner, Officer Norman R. Roy, stopped a motorist and had him outside the vehicle when a struggle began. Roediger managed to force the motorist to the ground and had him in a position to be handcuffed, when the man suddenly grabbed Roedigers gun and shot the patrolman. Officer Roy then shot and killed the assailant. Officer Roediger, 24, had been a member of the CHP since 1970 and was the son of Leslie R. Roediger (718), a retired CHP officer.

Line of Duty
Dana E. Paladini - ID 7839

Dana E. Paladini
1972

CHP Officer Killed From Ricocheted Bullet

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

Officer Dana E. Paladini and a sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene of a vehicle accident involving a horse trailer. One animal suffered a broken leg, and the owners asked the officers to shoot the horse. The deputy sheriff fired three shots – one ricocheted off the trailer wall striking Officer Paladini, who died shortly afterward. The 25-year-old patrol officer had been a member of the CHP for only nine months.

Line of Duty
Alfred G. Johnson - ID 4347

Alfred G. Johnson
1972

CHP Officer Struck and Killed on Side of Road

Sunday, August 27, 1972

Officer Alfred G. Johnson had just stopped a vehicle for speeding and was exiting his vehicle to begin the enforcement contact when an oncoming motorist struck the left front of the stopped vehicle, then hit and killed Johnson. The 29-year-old patrol officer had been a member of the CHP for six years and had previously served in San Leandro, Los Banos and Merced Area offices.

Line of Duty

Robert A. Mayer
1971

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Malfunction

Thursday, September 2, 1971

Officer Robert A. Mayer was killed when the front wheel of his motorcycle apparently developed a high-speed wobble that sent the motorcycle out of control. Mayer was thrown into the center divider and killed. The 25-year-old patrolman had been a member of the CHP for almost three years and had served at the Central Los Angeles and West Los Angeles Area offices.

Line of Duty
Loren D. Scruggs - ID 3186

Loren D. Scruggs
1971

CHP officer shot and killed

Friday, April 23, 1971

Officer Loren D. Scruggs, 35, had stopped a car for a registration violation when another driver parked across the road and approached him to ask directions. While Scruggs was answering his questions, the young man suddenly pulled a gun and shot the patrol officer. The killer fled but was found later – a suicide. Scruggs was a nine-year veteran of the CHP and had served his entire career in Santa Maria, where he had also attended high school and college.

Line of Duty
Robert J. Quirk - ID 1771

Robert J. Quirk
1971

CHP officer dies of heart attack after pursuit

Sunday, April 11, 1971

On April 10, 1971, Officer Robert J. Quirk, #1771 was involved in a foot pursuit of three subjects. After the pursuit Officer Quirk was sweating, skin was pale, and his breathing was heavy. Officer Quirk continued to feel ill and tired. On April 11, 1971, Officer Quirk suffered a heart attack and passed away. Officer Quirk is survived by his wife Patricia, and his five children Michael, Shelia, Dan, Phil, and Ken.

Line of Duty
Nathan Seidenberg - ID 6396

Nathan Seidenberg
1970

CHP officer killed in collision

Friday, October 23, 1970

Officer Nathan I. Seidenberg was traveling along U.S. Highway 101 near San Rafael when a drunk driver crossed into his lane of traffic and struck Seidenbergs patrol car head-on. Both the errant drunk driver and the 26-year-old patrolman were killed instantly. Seidenberg, a native of San Francisco, graduated from the CHP Academy two years earlier and was assigned to the Marin-Golden Gate Bridge Area in November, 1969.

Line of Duty
Walter C. Frago - ID 6573

Walter C. Frago
1970

CHP Officers Killed in Gun Battle

Monday, April 6, 1970

Line of Duty
James E. Pence, Jr. - ID 6885

James E. Pence, Jr.
1970

CHP officers killed in gun battle

Monday, April 6, 1970

Line of Duty
Roger D. Gore - ID 6600

Roger D. Gore
1970

CHP Officers Killed in Gun Battle

Monday, April 6, 1970

Line of Duty
George M. Alleyn - ID 6290

George M. Alleyn
1970

CHP officers killed in gun battle

Monday, April 6, 1970

Line of Duty
Raymond Carpenter - ID 1992

Raymond Carpenter
1970

CHP officer shot by motorist

Tuesday, February 17, 1970

Officer Raymond R. Carpenter was shot and killed by a 20-year-old motorist he stopped on Interstate 80. The car the young man was driving was proved to be stolen. Later, as officers closed in to capture Carpenters killer, the suspect committed suicide. The 40-year-old patrol officer was a native of the Auburn Area where he had been assigned for 13 years. Prior to joining the CHP in 1956, Officer Carpenter had spent nine years in the U.S. Air Force.

Line of Duty
William Court - ID 3885

William Court
1970

CHP officer killed in collision

Friday, February 13, 1970

Line of Duty
Ambers O. Shewmaker - ID 7059

Ambers O. Shewmaker
1969

CHP officer shot by motorist

Monday, November 24, 1969

Officer Ambers O. Shewmaker was patrolling near Banning late in the evening when he was shot by a motorist he stopped for speeding. Shewmaker was using his radio at the time he was shot, and his killer was driving a stolen car. The 28-year-old patrol officer died the following day and his killer was captured soon after the shooting. Officer Shewmaker had been a CHP officer for nine months.

Line of Duty
Robert M. Blomo - ID 4739

Robert M. Blomo
1969

CHP officer killed in collision

Thursday, September 4, 1969

Officer Robert M. Blomo was on patrol when his motorcycle struck a tractor-trailer that pulled out in front of him at an intersection. Blomo’s motorcycle was dragged 82 feet, slid into a curb and burst into flames, killing the patrol officer. The 25-year-old officer had been a member of the CHP for three years and was assigned to Baldwin Park since graduating from the Academy in 1966.

Line of Duty 07/16/1969
Richard G. Woods - ID 4987

Richard G. Woods
1969

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Wednesday, July 16, 1969

Officer Richard G. Woods was enroute to court to testify in a criminal case when he encountered stop-and-go traffic on the freeway. Woods was in the process of changing lanes when the traffic ahead of him came to a sudden stop. The patrol officer’s motorcycle struck the rear of a panel truck that stopped in front of him, killing the 29-year-old patrolman. Officer Woods was a member of the CHP for almost three years and had served in Central Los Angeles before being assigned to Baldwin Park

Line of Duty
Wesley D. Johnson - ID 2767

Wesley D. Johnson
1969

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, April 15, 1969

Officer Wesley D. Johnson was on routine patrol when his vehicle struck a road marker, causing him to lose control. Johnson’s patrol car hit an embankment and rolled over several times, killing the 39-year-old officer. Johnson was an 11-year veteran of the CHP and had served in the Merced Area office for 10 years before transferring to Sonora.

Line of Duty 01/09/1968

Kenneth E. Marshall
1968

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, January 9, 1968

Officer Kenneth E. Marshall was probably pursuing a violator, investigators later determined, when his patrol car skidded on a rain-slicked roadway and struck a light pole. Another patrol officer reached the scene minutes after the crash, but found the 31-year-old patrolman had been killed instantly. Marshall graduated from the CHP Academy in 1962 and served in the San Francisco Area before transferring to the Humboldt Area in 1965.

Line of Duty 12/20/1967
Merle L. Andrews - ID 2769

Merle L. Andrews
1967

CHP officer shot and killed

Wednesday, December 20, 1967

Officer Merle L. Andrews was pursuing a stolen vehicle whose driver was the subject of an all-points-bulletin sought on robbery and kidnapping charges. Andrews stopped the suspect and radioed for back-up, then approached the vehicle with his weapon drawn. The driver opened fire, killing the 39-year-old patrol officer. The gunman fled, but was captured a few hours later. Andrews was a member of the Patrol for nine years.

Line of Duty 10/29/1967
Charles R. Lilly - ID 4029

Charles R. Lilly
1967

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road

Sunday, October 29, 1967

Officer Charles R. Lilly and his partner had just pulled over two traffic violators. Lilly was standing at the driver’s door of one of the stopped vehicles when a passing car struck and killed him. The killer of the 30-year-old patrol officer then fled but was apprehended within minutes. Before joining the CHP in 1965, Officer Lilly had served with the San Francisco Police Department.

Line of Duty
Franke A. Story - ID 4238

Franke A. Story
1967

CHP Officer Shot and Killed

Wednesday, July 19, 1967

Line of Duty 08/25/1966
William C. Isaacs - ID 2818

William C. Isaacs
1966

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, August 25, 1966

Officer William C. Isaacs was patrolling on his motorcycle and negotiating a turn when he was thrown from his motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries. The 37-year-old patrolman had served with the Patrol for eight years and was a police officer with the city of Rialto prior to joining the CHP.

Line of Duty 01/13/1966
Michael S. Griffin - ID 2416

Michael S. Griffin
1966

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, January 13, 1966

Officer Michael S. Griffin was patrolling along U.S. Highway 50 near the Sacramento-El Dorado County line when the wheel of his motorcycle apparently developed a high-speed wobble that sent the motorcycle out of control. Griffin was thrown to the ground and died five days later. The 33-year-old patrolman had served in East Los Angeles, Norwalk, Placerville and Sacramento during his nine years as a CHP member.

Line of Duty 12/14/1965
Martin J. Tripptree - ID 2070

Martin J. Tripptree
1965

CHP Officer Succumbs to Injuries

Tuesday, December 14, 1965

Officer Martin J. Tripptree’s motorcycle collided with an automobile in Carmichael on April 22, 1964. Tripptree underwent several operations for head injuries, but succumbed after a long struggle. The 41-year-old patrol officer was a nine-year member of the CHP. Officer Tripptree served in Barstow after graduating from the Academy in 1956 and then transferred to Sacramento in 1957.

Line of Duty 02/14/1965
Merrel L. Kissinger - ID 1134

Merrel L. Kissinger
1965

CHP Officer Shot and Killed While Transporting a Prisoner

Sunday, February 14, 1965

Line of Duty 12/23/1964
Jerrel H. Shows - ID 3641

Jerrel H. Shows
1964

CHP Officer killed while assisting accident victim

Wednesday, December 23, 1964

Officer Jerrel H. Shows responded to an accident scene and was assisting one of the crash victims, when both were struck by a passing car driven by a drunk driver. Shows was killed instantly and the accident victim he had been assisting sustained critical injuries. The drunk driver was uninjured. Officer Shows, 28, had just graduated from the Academy three weeks earlier.

Line of Duty 11/8/1964
Leonard L. Layton - ID 3411

Leonard L. Layton
1964

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Sunday, November 8, 1964

Officer Leonard L. Layton was enroute to a court appearance in Ukiah when he was killed on U.S. Highway 101. Accident investigators reported the patrol car went over an embankment while rounding a curve on the rain-slicked pavement. Layton, 26, had graduated from the Academy a year earlier. His father, Officer Leonard M. Layton, was on active duty at the time of his son’s death.

Line of Duty 08/12/1964
Charles Woodworth - ID 1685

Charles Woodworth
1964

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Wednesday, August 12, 1964

Officer Charles O. Woodworth was on patrol July 27, 1964 and had just pulled away from a stop sign when his motorcycle was struck broadside by an automobile. Woodworth sustained serious leg injuries from the impact of the crash, but his condition did not appear life-threatening. As he was recovering, Officer Woodworth suffered a fatal embolism attributed to the accident two weeks earlier.

Line of Duty 03/23/1964
James F. Stamback - ID 1831

James F. Stamback
1964

CHP Officer Killed on Side of Road

Monday, March 23, 1964

Officer James F. Stamback had just parked his patrol car behind an automobile he stopped because its load of lumber was protruding beyond the legal limit. The patrolman was talking to the driver when, without warning, a two-ton flatbed truck suddenly barreled down on the scene, hitting the patrol car and pushing it into the other vehicle. Stamback received critical injuries from the impact and died 13 days later. The 29-year-old patrolman had been a member of the CHP for nine years.

Line of Duty 02/01/1964
Coburn B. Jewell - ID 2940

Coburn B. Jewell
1964

CHP Officer Killed While Parked on Side of Road

Saturday, February 1, 1964

Officer Coburn B. Jewell had parked his patrol car on the highway shoulder with the amber light burning. Jewell was sitting on the passenger side of the front seat when a motorist lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the parked patrol car. The motorist’s vehicle was traveling at 50 m.p.h. when it struck and the force of the impact killed Officer Jewell.

Line of Duty 01/14/1964

Kenneth L. Witke
1964

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, January 14, 1964

Officer Kenneth L. Witke was patrolling in West Los Angeles when a vehicle made a left turn in front of him without signalling. Witke was unable to brake and avoid a fatal collision. The 50-year-old patrolman was a 17-year veteran of the Highway Patrol with prior law enforcement service that included a stint as a U.S. Army MP and a state policeman assigned to the Department of Finance.

Line of Duty
William D. Huckaby - ID 2198

William D. Huckaby
1964

CHP Officer Killed While Attempting to Save 3 Children

Sunday, January 12, 1964

Sergeant William D. Huckaby was attempting to save the lives of three small children who had climbed onto a slow-moving freight train passing through South Los Angeles. As Huckaby rode his motorcycle down the railroad right-of-way to catch the train, he struck a cable that had been stretched between two posts. The 33-year-old sergeant sustained critical injuries and died four days later. He had been a member of the Patrol for seven years.

Line of Duty 01/06/1964
Ralph A. Minion - ID 1603

Ralph A. Minion
1964

CHP Officer Killed in Head-On Collision

Monday, January 6, 1964

Officer Ralph A. Minion was killed when a motorist, trying to avoid rear-ending a slow-moving truck, swerved over the center divider and crashed head-on into Minion’s motorcycle. Minion did not have a chance to swerve or brake and was killed instantly.

Line of Duty 12/24/1963
Merle E. Dewitt - ID 534

Merle E. Dewitt
1963

CHP Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, December 24, 1963

Officer Merle E. DeWitt was on his way home from holiday patrol duty when his motorcycle collided with an out-of-control car on the Santa Ana Freeway. The car, driven by an airman stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, hit the center divider, spun out, hit another vehicle and then crashed into DeWitt’s motorcycle. The 50-year-old patrolman, the 20-year-old driver and his 21-year-old passenger were all killed instantly. Officer DeWitt was a 21-year veteran of the CHP.

Line of Duty
Glenn W. Carlson - ID 2699

Glenn W. Carlson
1963

CHP Officer Shot and Killed

Friday, November 15, 1963

Line of Duty 11/05/1963
John R. Ellis - ID 2800

John R. Ellis
1963

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, November 5, 1963

Officer John R. Ellis and his partner, Officer Delton S. Lawless, were responding to an accident call when their patrol unit skidded on a rain-slicked roadway outside Visalia and crashed into a grove of trees. Both officers were wearing seat belts and Lawless, the driver, was able to extricate himself and his partner from the wrecked patrol car. Officer Ellis had been killed instantly. The 35-year-old patrol officer had been a member of the CHP for five years.

Line of Duty 04/23/1963
Donald E. Brandon - ID 3294

Donald E. Brandon
1963

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Tuesday, April 23, 1963

Officer Donald E. Brandon was traveling west when another vehicle heading north struck his patrol vehicle broadside at an intersection in Ridgecrest. The 30-year-old patrolman was killed by the impact. Brandon had joined the CHP in 1962 and had been a member of the Patrol for less than one year.

Line of Duty 03/15/1963
Charles Sorenson - ID 2341

Charles Sorenson
1963

CHP Officer Killed by Robbery Suspect

Friday, March 15, 1963

Line of Duty 08/18/1962
Ronald E. Davis - ID 3152

Ronald E. Davis
1962

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Saturday, August 18, 1962

Line of Duty
Dale M. Krings - ID 2046

Dale M. Krings
1962

CHP Officer Killed by Gunman in Restaurant

Monday, May 21, 1962

Line of Duty 04/21/1962
Jerry E. Turre - ID 2071

Jerry E. Turre
1962

CHP Officer Killed While Laying Flares

Saturday, April 21, 1962

Line of Duty 01/18/1962
Gary L. Grow - ID 2350

Gary L. Grow
1962

CHP Officer Killed in Airplane Crash

Thursday, January 18, 1962

Officer Gary L. Grow was killed when the plane he was piloting collided with another aircraft. Grow was flying one of two planes leased by the Patrol for aircraft observational studies over U.S. Highway 99 and other highways. The aircraft test was a special assignment for Grow and he was detached from his area specifically for the project. Officer Grow, 28, had been a patrol officer for four years.

Line of Duty 11/04/1960
William E. Pitois - ID 2756

William E. Pitois
1960

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, November 4, 1960

Officer William E. Pitois was pursuing a speeder when he came upon two slow-moving cars. As he was braking to go between them, his motorcycle skidded and struck the back end of one of the vehicles, causing him fatal injuries. Pitois, 29, was a member of the CHP for two years with previous service in the Newhall Area and on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Line of Duty 03/10/1960
Robert D. Dale - ID 2792

Robert D. Dale
1960

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, March 10, 1960

Officer Robert D. Dale was patrolling along a rural two-lane road in Orange County. He had just passed a vehicle and was negotiating a sharp turn when he lost control of his motorcycle and slid into the path of an oncoming pick-up truck. Dale’s motorcycle struck the left front of the vehicle, killing the 25-year-old patrol officer instantly. He had served with the CHP for two years and had been assigned to the Anaheim Area office since graduation in 1958.

Line of Duty 02/23/1960
Richard D. Duvall - ID 2683

Richard D. Duvall
1960

CHP Officer Killed by Gunshot

Tuesday, February 23, 1960

Line of Duty 11/12/1959
Leonard Winney - ID 2004

Leonard Winney
1959

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, November 12, 1959

Officer Leonard W. Winney was pursuing a speeding motorist on the Santa Ana Canyon Road in Orange County when his motorcycle crashed into a heavy gravel truck that made a left turn across the highway. The truck driver, according to investigators, did not see the motorcycle and the officer did not have time to stop. Winney, 27, was a member of the CHP for three years and had served two years in the Anaheim Area office.

Line of Duty 07/21/1959
George E. Kallemeyn - ID NR

George E. Kallemeyn
1959

CHP Officer Killed After Plummeting Down Canyon

Tuesday, July 21, 1959

Line of Duty 02/07/1959
Herbert F. Dimon - ID 2739

Herbert F. Dimon
1959

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Saturday, February 7, 1959

Officer Herbert F. Dimon was pursuing a speeding car in East Los Angeles when his motorcycle collided at an intersection with a motorist who ignored or did not see the red light or hear the siren. Dimon was wearing a safety helmet, but the impact killed the 28-year-old officer instantly. Officer Dimon had graduated from the Academy just four months earlier. Only hours before his death, he had received a letter from a citizen he cited a few days earlier, stating:

Line of Duty 11/22/1958
Robert D. Heberlie - ID 2654

Robert D. Heberlie
1958

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Saturday, November 22, 1958

Officer Robert B. Heberlie was patrolling on Rosemead Boulevard when a vehicle suddenly turned left, striking Heberlies motorcycle broadside, killing the 31-year-old patrol officer. The motorist was charged with felony drunk driving and manslaughter. Heberlie had joined the CHP only seven months earlier after leaving the Los Angeles Police Department. The El Monte Area office was his first CHP assignment.

Line of Duty 10/12/1958
Joseph F. Johnston - ID 2251

Joseph F. Johnston
1958

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Sunday, October 12, 1958

Officer Joseph F. Johnston, Jr. was pursuing a traffic violator on Rosemead Boulevard when the suspect suddenly crossed two lanes of traffic without signaling and turned left in front of the patrolman. Johnston struck the left front side of the vehicle and he died a short time later. The motorist was charged with manslaughter. Officer Johnston, 31, had just been appointed to the Patrol the previous March and the El Monte Area was his first assignment.

Line of Duty
Raymond V. O'Connor - ID

Raymond V. O’Connor
1958

State Police Officer Killed in Collision

Sunday, March 9, 1958

Line of Duty 02/15/1958
Robert W. Suess - ID 2244

Robert W. Suess
1958

CHP Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

Saturday, February 15, 1958

Line of Duty 01/24/1958
Camile E. Madere - ID NR

Camile E. Madere
1958

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, January 24, 1958

Officer Camile E. Madere was patrolling on his motorcycle through the city of Stanton. Madere was about to overtake and pass another vehicle when a tractor and semi-trailer pulled out of a driveway into the path of the officer and the vehicle he was going to pass. Both the patrolman and the motorist applied brakes in an attempt to avoid colliding with the truck. Maderes motorcycle skidded under the truck, killing the 35-year-old patrol officer instantly.

Line of Duty 10/08/1957
Robert E. Reed - ID NR

Robert E. Reed
1957

CHP Officer shot by suspect being transferred to psychiatric ward

Tuesday, October 8, 1957

Line of Duty 01/09/1957
Carl H. Jessing - ID NR

Carl H. Jessing
1957

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Wednesday, January 9, 1957

Officer Carl H. Jessing was pursuing a speeding motorist along the Imperial Highway when he collided with a car that crossed in front of his motorcycle at Firestone Boulevard. Jessing was thrown from his motorcycle and suffered a broken leg and other injuries. Initially his condition did not appear life-threatening, but he died the following day from a pulmonary embolism caused by the collision. The 39-year-old patrolman had been a member of the CHP for three years.

Line of Duty 12/06/1956
William Elza P. Fitzpatrick - ID NR

William Elza P. Fitzpatrick
1956

CHP Officer Shot by Suspect Wanted for Armed Robbery

Thursday, December 6, 1956

Line of Duty 09/09/1956
Charles T. Smith - ID NR

Charles T. Smith
1956

CHP Officer Shot by AWOL Marines on a Crime Spree

Sunday, September 9, 1956

Line of Duty 08/10/1956
Raymond A. Geiger - ID NR

Raymond A. Geiger
1956

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, August 10, 1956

Line of Duty 07/02/1956
Edward A. Frey - ID NR

Edward A. Frey
1956

Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Monday, July 2, 1956

Officer Edward A. Frey was pursuing a speeder when the vehicle in front of him slowed to make a left turn. Frey was unable to stop and his motorcycle struck the vehicle ahead before glancing off into the path of an oncoming car. The 38-year-old patrol officer sustained critical internal injuries and died 10 days later.

Line of Duty 12/23/1955
George Woodson - ID NR

George Woodson
1955

CHP Officer Killed While Pursuing Speeder

Friday, December 23, 1955

Officer George A. Woodson was pursuing a Christmas-holiday speeder when his motorcycle skidded on rain-slicked pavement and crashed. A motorist found Woodson lying next to his motorcycle beside a chain-link fence that bordered the Santa Ana Freeway. The 32-year-old patrol officer was rushed to the hospital but died without regaining consciousness.

Line of Duty 11/25/1955
Charles D. Goss - ID NR

Charles D. Goss
1955

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Friday, November 25, 1955

Officer Charles D. Goss had just completed his investigation of a five-car collision. As he left the site, his patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle attempting to pass a truck. Goss was killed instantly. The 39-year-old officer was a 1952 graduate of the CHP Academy and the Madera Area was his first assignment. Charges were filed against the driver for attempting to pass the truck without sufficient clearance.

Line of Duty 05/27/1955
James E. Maroney - ID NR

James E. Maroney
1955

CHP Officers Killed in Gun Battle

Friday, May 27, 1955

Officer James E. Maroney responded to a call for assistance put out by the Modoc County Sheriff in apprehending an armed suspect. As officers closed in, the suspect opened fire and Officer Maroney was killed during the ensuing gun battle. The 33-year-old patrolman had transferred to Alturas from Fresno just two months earlier.

Line of Duty 12/10/1954
John C. La Mar - ID NR

John C. La Mar
1954

CHP Officer Killed by Speeding Motorist

Friday, December 10, 1954

Officer John C. La Mar was checking a vehicle hooked to a tow truck parked alongside U.S. Highway 99 near Bakersfield. He had set out flares to warn oncoming cars and was standing between the tow truck and the damaged vehicle, when a speeding motorist ran through the flares, plowed into the rear of the damaged car, and fatally injured La Mar. The 30-year-old patrolman was a former member of the Tulare Police Department and had served only two months with the CHP.

Line of Duty 08/27/1954
William M. Chansler - ID NR

William M. Chansler
1954

CHP Officer shot by assailant holding hostages

Friday, August 27, 1954

Line of Duty 07/02/1954

Frank M. Epperson
1954

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Friday, July 2, 1954

Line of Duty 05/01/1953
John W. Armatoski - ID NR

John W. Armatoski
1953

CHP Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

Friday, May 1, 1953

Officer John W. Armatoski was on an enforcement stop eastbound on U.S. Highway 66 west of Needles. After he completed the traffic citation, Armatoski was approaching the violator’s car on the left side when an intoxicated motorist, driving a stolen station wagon, sideswiped the parked vehicle and struck Armatoski. The patrol officer was killed instantly. Armatoski had been a member of the CHP for five years.

Line of Duty 09/30/1952
Ralph A. Vargas - ID NR

Ralph A. Vargas
1952

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, September 30, 1952

Officer Ralph A. Vargas was patrolling in a residential area when his patrol motorcycle collided with an automobile that abruptly made a left turn in front of his motorcycle. Vargas had no time to apply his brakes and crashed into the vehicle. The 26-year-old officer died just six hours after the accident. Vargas had joined the Patrol just two-and-a-half years earlier.

Line of Duty 06/23/1952
William C. Foote - ID NR

William C. Foote
1952

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Monday, June 23, 1952

Officer William C. Foote, 33, was returning from a special traffic control assignment at the Salinas Rodeo when his motorcycle crashed head-on into another vehicle. Officers traveling with Foote believed a tire blowout or a crack in the pavement caused the patrolman to lose control and swerve into the path of the oncoming car. Foote, who joined the CHP in 1948, had just returned to the Patrol after a stint as a Marine Corps Reservist in the Korean War.

Line of Duty 08/19/1951
Harold J. Hanson - ID NR

Harold J. Hanson
1951

CHP Cadet Killed During Motorcycle Training

Sunday, August 19, 1951

Line of Duty 04/26/1950

Alvin Foss
1950

CHP Officer killed from accidental shooting

Wednesday, April 26, 1950

Officer Alvin Foss, 23, was preparing to go on duty when his revolver fell from its holster, struck the concrete floor, and discharged a round that struck the officer in the head. The weapon apparently fell on the back of the handle, jarring the firing pin firmly enough to trigger the fatal bullet. Foss joined the CHP a year earlier and had recently transferred to duty on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge from Los Angeles.

Line of Duty 11/18/1947
John R. Walters - ID NR

John R. Walters
1947

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, November 18, 1947

Officer John R. Walters was pursuing a vehicle at high-speed on U.S. Highway 99, south of Bakersfield when a motorist headed the opposite direction crossed three lanes of traffic and crashed head-on into Walters’ motorcycle, killing the 36-year-old officer instantly. A charge of manslaughter was brought against the other driver.

Line of Duty 10/20/1946
William L. Reardon - ID NR

William L. Reardon
1946

CHP Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

Sunday, October 20, 1946

Officer William L. Reardon was stopped on his motorcycle monitoring traffic on U.S. Highway 99 near Newhall when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Reardon, 52, was a 14-year veteran of the Highway Patrol. He had previously served with the Glendale Police Department and the Los Angeles County Traffic Squad before becoming a member of the CHP in 1932 when the state absorbed the Los Angeles County Squad.

Line of Duty 09/25/1946
Richard L. Simpson - ID NR

Richard L. Simpson
1946

CHP Officer and World War II Veteran Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Wednesday, September 25, 1946

Officer Richard L. Simpson, 30, was responding to the scene of an automobile accident in Porterville when a motorist turned in front of the officer and struck his motorcycle broadside. The impact flung the patrolman to the ground, killed him almost instantly. The driver was jailed and booked for manslaughter. Simpson, a World War II veteran, had recently returned to duty with the department after three years of service in the U.S. Army.

Line of Duty 09/17/1946
Stephen W. Sodel - ID NR

Stephen W. Sodel
1946

CHP Officer Kidnapped and Murdered

Tuesday, September 17, 1946

Officer Stephen W. Sodel, 48, was kidnapped and murdered by a motorist he had apparently stopped for suspicion of car theft. Sodel was assigned to check light and brake testing stations and when his patrol car was found abandoned, an intense search ensued which led a few days later to the discovery of Sodel’s body. A suspect was later captured, tried and convicted for the murder of Officer Sodel.

Line of Duty 07/14/1946
Frank J. Maus - ID NR

Frank J. Maus
1946

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Sunday, July 14, 1946

Officer Frank J. Maus, 35, was pursuing a speeder on Stocker Avenue and was rounding a curve when his motorcycle hit the soft shoulder and overturned several times, throwing him to the ground. Maus was a five-year member of the CHP and had just returned to duty after spending three years with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II.

Line of Duty 06/05/1946
Loren C. Roosevelt - ID NR

Loren C. Roosevelt
1946

CHP Officer shot 9 times

Wednesday, June 5, 1946

Officer Loren C. Roosevelt was on Los Feliz Boulevard enroute to his home in Glendale when he observed a man behaving suspiciously and called him over to his patrol car. The suspect complied, but suddenly pulled a revolver and shot the patrolman nine times at close range. Although mortally wounded, Roosevelt gave investigating officers a detailed description of the gunman before he died. He had been a patrolman since 1943.

Line of Duty 09/12/1945
Harold E. Nichols - ID NR

Harold. E Nichols
1945

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Wednesday, September 12, 1945

Officer Harold E. Nichols’ motorcycle skidded and crashed when it ran across a slippery area of the road. Nichols was killed instantly. The 42-year-old patrolman had served continuously in Kern County since joining the CHP in 1930. The 15-year CHP veteran held numerous medals for expert marksmanship.

Line of Duty 07/12/1945
James H. VandeWeg - ID NR

James H. VandeWeg
1945

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, July 12, 1945

Officer James H. VandeWeg was responding to an emergency call when a truck pulled directly in his path. VandeWeg was unable to stop and his motorcycle crashed into the truck. The 30-year-old officer suffered critical injuries and died just hours later. VandeWeg had previously served with the Redondo Beach Police Department and with the Burbank Police Department until joining the CHP in 1943.

Line of Duty
James B. Dalziel - ID NR

James B. Dalziel
1945

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Saturday, June 30, 1945

Officer James B. Dalziel was returning from duty on the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge shortly after midnight when a vehicle drove directly in front of his motorcycle. The collision killed the patrolman instantly. Dalziel was a 28-year veteran of law enforcement service that began in 1917 with the San Mateo County Motor Patrol and continued uninterrupted when the county unit merged with the CHP. The 55-year-old patrolman had served on the Bay Bridge since 1941.

Line of Duty 05/17/1945
Norman A. Kessler - ID NR

Norman A. Kessler
1945

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, May 17, 1945

Officer Norman A. Kessler was pursuing a traffic violator when his motorcycle developed a high-speed wobble after striking a rough spot in the highway pavement. Kessler lost control and skidded 200 feet before crashing. The 36-year-old patrol officer was killed almost instantly. Kessler had served in Tulare County since graduating from the CHP Academy in 1942.

Line of Duty 04/08/1945
Raymond H. Berry - ID NR

Raymond H. Berry
1945

CHP Officer suffers cerebral hemorrhage while on duty

Sunday, April 8, 1945

Officer Raymond H. Berry, 50, was concluding his shift when he suffered a fatal cerebral hemmorhage. Berry, a 16-year CHP veteran, had previously served with the San Jose City Police Department and had been a member of the Santa Clara County Squad before it was absorbed by the CHP in 1929.

Line of Duty 12/7/1944
David R. Henderson - ID NR

David R. Henderson
1944

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, December 7, 1944

Officer David R. Henderson was killed when his motorcycle collided with an automobile driven by a motorist who pulled into his lane of traffic after deliberately passing a bus that had stopped to load and unload passengers. Henderson, 33, joined the CHP in 1942 after serving two years with the Burbank Police Department. He had also previously served as a Deputy Fish and Game Warden with the County of Los Angeles.

Line of Duty 11/29/1944
George A. Humburg - ID

George A. Humburg
1944

CHP Officer Suffers Heart Attack After Arresting Belligerent Drunk Driver

Wednesday, November 29, 1944

Officer George A. Humburg and a fellow officer were attempting to arrest a drunken driver when the belligerent suspect scuffled with Humburg. After making the arrest, Humburg complained of feeling ill and collapsed while being sped to a hospital. He suffered a heart attack and died before reaching the hospital. Officer Humburg was a 14-year member of the Highway Patrol.

Line of Duty 11/04/1944
Lewis Gregg - ID NR

Lewis Gregg
1944

Motorcycle Officer Gregg killed in collision

Saturday, November 4, 1944

Officer Lewis W. Gregg collided with a vehicle that turned suddenly in front of the motorcycle officer without signaling. Gregg was killed almost instantly. The 40-year-old patrol officer had joined the CHP two years earlier after previously working as a clerk in the traffic court in the city of San Diego.

Line of Duty 05/18/1944
John A. Reed - ID NR

John A. Reed
1944

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, May 18, 1944

Officer John A. Reed had activated his red light and siren and begun his pursuit of a speeding automobile when he collided with a vehicle that turned left in front of his motorcycle. Reed was critically injured and died the following day. The 35-year-old patrol officer had joined the CHP in 1941 after prior service as a state police officer in Sacramento.

Line of Duty 03/09/1944
Forest M. Underwood - ID NR

Forest M. Underwood
1944

CHP Sergeant Shot and Killed

Thursday, March 9, 1944

Line of Duty 02/15/1944
Forrest C. Gerken - ID NR

Forrest C. Gerken
1944

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, February 15, 1944

Officer Forrest C. Gerken was on motorcycle patrol nearing the intersection of Oak Grove Avenue and the Bay Shore Highway when the driver of a pickup truck turned across the corner of an intersection and crashed head-on into the patrolman. Officer Gerken was killed instantly. Gerken had entered the patrol in 1942 and died just two days before his 46th birthday. He served on the Bay Bridge prior to transferring to San Mateo. Officer Forrest Gerken’s son is retired CHP Officer Cliff Gerken (3778).

Line of Duty 07/10/1943
Nelson S. Dwelly - ID NR

Nelson S. Dwelly
1943

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Saturday, July 10, 1943

Officer Nelson S. Dwelly was patrolling with CHP Officer J.C. Glass when Glass saw the wheel of Dwelly’s motorcycle start to wobble and then the motorcycle turned over several times with Dwelly still in the seat. The 37-year-old patrol officer had been a member of the CHP for less than one year.

Line of Duty 04/21/1943
George E. Ellis, Jr. - ID NR

George E. Ellis, Jr.
1943

CHP Sergeant Killed by Reckless Driver

Wednesday, April 21, 1943

Sergeant George E. Ellis, Jr. was killed by a reckless driver who ran a stop sign and crashed into the side of Ellis’ patrol unit, striking it with such force that the patrol car was knocked 148 feet and rolled twice from the point of impact. A Sacramento County grand jury indicted the driver on charges of negligent homicide.

Line of Duty 02/07/1943
Frederick Wales - ID NR

Frederick Wales
1943

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Sunday, February 7, 1943

Officer Frederick Wales was patrolling on his motorcycle when he spotted a speeding motorist. Wales initiated a high-speed pursuit of the speeder, but lost control of his motorcycle and crashed.

Line of Duty 02/02/1943
Walter C. Maxey - ID NR

Walter C. Maxey
1943

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, February 2, 1943

Officer Walter C. Maxey was making a left turn off U.S. Highway 6 near Newhall when his motorcycle kickstand dropped, dug into the pavement and sent the motorcycle into a sharp spin. Maxey was thrown violently to the ground and sustained fatal injuries. He had been a member of the CHP for seven years.

Line of Duty 01/07/1943
Joe A. Stucker - ID NR

Joe A. Stucker
1943

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, January 7, 1943

Officer Joseph A. Stucker was performing a vital war-time duty escorting a military convoy when his motorcycle was sideswiped by a truck that was attempting to pass. Stucker died at the scene. The 31-year-old patrolman had been a member of the CHP for six years.

Line of Duty 08/10/1942
Clinton Benjamin - ID NR

Clinton Benjamin
1942

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Monday, August 10, 1942

Officer Clinton Benjamin was on routine patrol when his motorcycle skidded, causing the patrolman to lose control. Benjamin was thrown to the ground and died from his injuries.

Line of Duty 07/18/1942
Emmett L. Elmore - ID NR

Emmett L. Elmore
1942

CHP Sergeant Killed

Saturday, July 18, 1942

Sergeant Emmett L. Elmore, a veteran of 23 years of police and traffic officer service, received his promotion in rank to sergeant less than one year before his death. Elmore, 62, had joined the Stanislaus County Traffic Squad in 1925 and became a CHP officer when the California Highway Patrol absorbed the county units in 1929.

Line of Duty
Eliot O. Daley - ID NR

Eliot O. Daley
1942

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Sunday, May 17, 1942

Line of Duty 05/03/1942
Scott Leatherman - ID NR

Scott Leatherman
1942

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Sunday, May 3, 1942

Officer Scott Leatherman was pursuing a speeding motorist on a road near Newhall when the wheel of his motorcycle apparently developed a high-speed wobble, causing Leatherman to lose control and crash. The 29-year-old patrolman was a member of the CHP for only one year.

Line of Duty 01/12/1942
Robert C. Heller - ID NR

Robert C. Heller
1942

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Monday, January 12, 1942

Officer Robert C. Heller was struck and killed when a motorist failed to stop at an intersection and collided with Heller’s motorcycle. The driver of the vehicle was booked on suspicion of negligent homicide. The 25-year-old patrolman had graduated from the Academy only five months earlier.

Line of Duty 06/27/1941
Leslie Lauterwasser - ID NR

Leslie Lauterwasser
1941

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, June 27, 1941

Officer Leslie Lauterwasser, 30, was patrolling at midnight near Tiburon on the approach to the Golden Gate Bridge when a vehicle he was following abruptly made a U-turn. Lauterwasser’s motorcycle crashed broadside into the automobile, killing the patrolman instantly. The driver was jailed and charged with drunk driving and negligent homicide.

Line of Duty 02/07/1941
Paul M. Mengedoth - ID NR

Paul M. Mengedoth
1941

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, February 7, 1941

Officer M. Paul Mengedoth was on routine patrol riding his motorcycle through the tunnel of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge when a vehicle crossed the center divider directly into his path and struck his motorcycle head-on. Officer Mengedoth, 30, was killed instantly.

Line of Duty 09/22/1940
Maurice W. Owen - ID N/A

Maurice W. Owen
1940

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Sunday, September 22, 1940

Line of Duty 07/04/1940
William F. Malin - ID NR

William F. Malin
1940

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Thursday, July 4, 1940

Officer William F. Malin was returning to his beat – a two-lane highway near Los Angeles – after serving on a CHP motorcycle escort team during a parade celebrating Independence Day, 1940. A speeding motorist cutting through traffic crushed Malin against a walled section of the highway. He had been a member of the Patrol for six years.

Line of Duty 01/16/1940
Samuel G. Cope - ID NR

Samuel G. Cope
1940

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, January 16, 1940

Officer Samuel G. Cope was patrolling near the city limits of West Covina when an automobile swung into his line of traffic and crashed head-on into Cope’s motorcycle. Initially his injuries were believed to be non-threatening, but complications developed and he died. Cope was a member of the Los Angeles Police Department before joining the CHP in 1935.

Line of Duty 08/29/1939
Ernest R. Nelson - ID NR

Ernest R. Nelson
1939

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, August 29, 1939

Officer Ernest R. Nelson was patrolling on his motorcycle south of Salinas when a pickup truck made a left turn and crossed the road directly in front of the patrolman. Nelson attempted to swerve and avoid the crash, but skidded directly into the side of the truck and was killed. The driver was arrested for negligent homicide. Nelson, 43, joined the Patrol in 1935 and was previously assigned to the Academy before he transferred to Salinas.

Line of Duty 08/10/1939
Joseph S. Mathews - ID NR

Joseph S. Mathews
1939

CHP Officer Suffers Cerebral Hemorrhage

Thursday, August 10, 1939

Officer Joseph B. Mathews was called out to break up a fight between two men at a resort outside the city of Napa. After arresting the two suspects and booking them in the country jail, Mathews returned to the CHP office where he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. The 32-year-old patrol officer was a native of Napa and had been a member of the CHP for nine years.

Line of Duty 12/261938
Fred J. Kowolowski - ID NR

Fred J. Kowolowski
1938

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Monday, December 26, 1938

Officer Fred J. Kowolowski was rounding a sharp bend on a rural road in Santa Clara County when his motorcycle collided with an automobile. The 17-year-old driver of the other vehicle said he had turned from a side road and, seeing the motorcycle coming, stopped. The 29-year-old patrol officer died only hours later. Kowolowski was a former deputy sheriff in Modoc County before he joined the Patrol in 1937.

Line of Duty 07/10/1938

E.L. Shryver
1938

CHP Captain Succumbs to Injuries

Sunday, July 10, 1938

Captain E.L. Shryver was directing traffic on U.S. Highway 101 in Sonoma County when he was struck by a vehicle and thrown under the trailer it was pulling. Shryver, 46, battled his injuries for two months before he succumbed. A veteran motorcycle officer with 13 years experience, he had recently qualified as district inspector and was first on the promotional list. Shryver was also an expert pistol shot and represented the CHP at several national pistol matches.

Line of Duty 05/18/1938
Leonard Nelson - ID NR

Leonard Nelson
1938

CHP Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

Wednesday, May 18, 1938

Officer Leonard Nelson and his partner, Officer L.L. Jordan, were working the graveyard shift in Artesia when they stopped a suspected drunk driver at 2:30 a.m. Nelson was administering the sobriety test to the suspect when a vehicle driven by a second drunk driver crashed into the pair. Both the 30-year-old patrol officer and the driver he had been testing were killed.

Line of Duty 01/27/1938
E.R. Carr - ID NR

E.R. Carr
1938

CHP Sergeant Hit on Side of Road

Thursday, January 27, 1938

Sergeant E.R. “Ed” Carr, 57, was investigating a stalled vehicle on the Golden Gate Highway Pass near Fresno when he was struck and killed by a passing automobile. The 17-year-old driver of the automobile claimed he did not see Carr as he walked toward the stalled vehicle, although investigating officers found a lighted flashlight in the patrolman’s hand. Carr was a 12-year CHP veteran and had just been promoted to the rank of sergeant one day before he was killed.

Line of Duty 12/04/1937
Richard H. Trembath - ID NR

Richard H. Trembath
1937

CHP Sergeant Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Saturday, December 4, 1937

Sergeant Richard H. Trembath was returning to his home in Berkeley after two weeks of training at the Academy in Sacramento, when his motorcycle collided head-on with an automobile in the middle lane of a three-lane highway near the Carquinez Bridge. Trembath, 34, was killed on what was to have been his last day as a motorcycle officer. He had just been promoted to sergeant and was to have been transferred to patrol car duty the next day.

Line of Duty 12/11/1936
Earle M. Ames - ID NR

Earle M. Aimes
1936

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, December 11, 1936

Officer Earle M. Ames was returning to the CHP Stanislaus office after a special duty assignment in Oakland. Ames was traveling late in the evening through very heavy fog when his motorcycle collided with a city bus. The bus was reportedly almost invisible in the fog because of its newly installed vapor lights. Officer Ames was thrown from his motorcycle and killed.

Line of Duty 12/17/1935
Charles H. Nissen - ID NR

Charles H. Nissen
1935

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, December 17, 1935

Officer Charles H. Nissen was pursuing a traffic violator when a vehicle ahead of him slowed for a turn. Nissen applied his brakes to reduce his speed, but his motorcycle struck the rear of the vehicle and skidded. The patrolman was thrown to the pavement and died at the scene.

Line of Duty 08/24/1935
Ivan Casselman - ID NR

Ivan Casselman
1935

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Saturday, August 24, 1935

Officer Ivan Casselman was killed when his patrol motorcycle crashed into the back of a truck near Davis in Yolo County. Witnesses said Casselman was thrown fifteen feet off the roadway after striking the rear of a truck he was attempting to pass. The 33-year-old patrolman died hours later from his injuries. Casselman was a seven-year member of the Yolo County Squad.

Line of Duty 04/14/1935
Edward Bond - ID NR

Edward Bond
1935

CHP Officer Killed While Patrolling

Sunday, April 14, 1935

Officer Edward L. Bond was patrolling along a levee road in Sacramento County when his motorcycle skidded as he was rounding a curve. Bond lost control and was hurled over the embankment. The 38-year-old patrolman had served with the Patrol four years. Officer Bond’s great-niece, Joan, is married to Sergeant Dan Fugate (10294).

Line of Duty 10/06/1934
William R. McDaniel - ID NR

William R. McDaniel
1934

CHP Officer Shot and Killed

Saturday, October 6, 1934

Line of Duty 08/31/1934
Donald A. Hoover - ID NR

Donald A. Hoover
1934

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Friday, August 31, 1934

Officer A. Donald Hoover was traveling along the Santa Cruz - Watsonville Highway, on a stretch known to locals as “Slaughterhouse Curve”, when his motorcycle collided with an automobile that pulled out from a side road and turned in front of the patrolman. Hoover, 31, sustained critical injuries and died without regaining consciousness. Officer Hoover was a distant relative of Herbert Hoover, the former President of the United States.

Line of Duty 08/26/1934
Hugh C. Cline - ID NR

Hugh C. Cline
1934

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Sunday, August 26, 1934

Officer Hugh C. Cline was patrolling at night along the Roosevelt Highway just north of Santa Monica Boulevard when he collided with an automobile. Cline, 43, was thrown from his motorcycle, sustained critical injuries and died the following day.

Line of Duty 07/07/1934
Francis J. Perry - ID NR

Francis J. Perry
1934

CHP Officer Killed in Sacramento

Saturday, July 7, 1934

Officer Francis J. Perry was flung into a tree after both tires of his motorcycle blew while he was patrolling along Fair Oaks Boulevard near the H Street Bridge in Sacramento. The 28-year-old patrol officer had been a member of the CHP for three years.

Line of Duty 03/06/1934
Oscar D. McMurry - ID NR

Oscar D. McMurry
1934

CHP Officer Killed After Motorcycle Headlights Go Out

Tuesday, March 6, 1934

Line of Duty 04/11/1933
Jack E. Marks - ID NR

Jack E. Marks
1933

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Tuesday, April 11, 1933

Line of Duty 03/12/1933

John Daroux
1933

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Sunday, March 12, 1933

Officer John A. Daroux was struck by a vehicle that was closely following the patrolman along Auburn Boulevard in Sacramento. Apparently the brakes on Daroux’s motorcycle locked abruptly and the vehicle behind him was unable to slow and avoid striking the motorcycle. The 36-year-old patrolman was rushed to the hospital but died two days later without regaining consciousness. Daroux had served as a sergeant in the army air service in France during World War I.

Line of Duty 03/11/1933

Ted Davis
1933

CHP Officer Killed Following 1933 Long Beach Earthquake

Saturday, March 11, 1933

Officer Ted Davis, 37, was carrying out the emergency assignment of escorting doctors and nurses through rubble-strewn streets following the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Davis’ motorcycle struck a hole in the pavement that had been damaged by the quake, throwing him to the ground and killing him instantly.

Line of Duty 03/10/1933
Stephen S. Kent - ID NR

Stephen S. Kent
1933

CHP Officer Shot and Killed

Friday, March 10, 1933

Officer Stephen S. Kent, 41, was assisting in the pursuit of a suspect sought in three states for bank robbery and kidnapping. Kent stopped the suspect vehicle in Yreka but as he approached, the suspect opened fire, killing the patrolman instantly. The killer was captured, stood trial and was convicted of murder. He was sentenced to death and executed at Folsom Prison in 1936.

Line of Duty 01/29/1933
Thomas Bissett - ID NR

Thomas Bissett
1933

CHP Officer Suffers Stroke While On-Duty

Sunday, January 29, 1933

Officer Thomas C. Bisset was patrolling on his regular beat in Chico when he suffered a paralyzing stroke. Bissets condition improved and he appeared close to recovery when a second stroke took his life. Bisset was 42 years old and a four-year veteran of the CHP. Prior to joining the Patrol, he had been a peace officer in Gridley.

Line of Duty 01/15/1933
Floyd A. Russell - ID NR

Floyd A. Russell
1933

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Sunday, January 15, 1933

Officer Floyd A. Russell, 35, was chasing a speeder on Pomona Valley Boulevard when he was struck by an automobile that turned in his path without signaling. Russell was thrown from his motorcycle and died a few hours later. Reckless-driving charges were filed against the motorist.

Line of Duty 08/13/1932
Albert Edward Hinck, Sr. - ID NR

Albert Edward Hinck, Sr.
1932

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Saturday, August 13, 1932

Officer Albert Edward Hinck, Sr. was patrolling in National City early on a Saturday morning when a motorist made a left-hand turn in front of Hinck’s motorcycle. Officer Hinck was unable to stop and crashed into the automobile. The impact of the collision killed the 30-year-old patrol officer instantly.

Line of Duty 07/08/1932
Edwin B. Crook - ID NR

Edwin B. Crook
1932

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Friday, July 8, 1932

Officer Edwin B. Crook was pursuing a speeding motorist late at night through Venice when his motorcycle was struck by an oncoming automobile. Crook was thrown from his motorcycle and killed instantly. He had been a CHP patrolman for only eight days. Officer Crook worked previously as an officer for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in their Hollywood Division before joining the CHP.

Line of Duty 03/01/1932
J.W. Shuman - ID NR

J.W. Shuman
1932

CHP Officer Killed in Accidental Shooting

Tuesday, March 1, 1932

Line of Duty 09/21/1931
Burt Reeves - ID NR

Burt Reeves
1931

CHP Sergeant and World War I Veteran Killed in Collision

Monday, September 21, 1931

Sergeant Burt Reeves was patrolling in heavy Sunday traffic when his motorcycle was forced off a Marin County highway and he was thrown to the ground. Reeves was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries four days later. He had been a patrolman for six years and served as acting commander of the Marin Squad during the absence of the captain. Sergeant Reeves was also a World War I veteran.

Line of Duty 01/24/1931
Elber D. Warren - ID NR

Elber D. Warren
1931

CHP Officer Killed in Collision

Saturday, January 24, 1931

Officer Elber D. Warren was on routine patrol when his motorcycle collided with an automobile. Officer Warren was thrown to the pavement and died from his injuries.

Line of Duty 09/08/1930
Edgar J. Combs - ID NR

Edgar J. Combs
1930

CHP Officer Killed on Famosa Highway

Monday, September 8, 1930

Officer Edgar J. Combs was near the end of his shift patrolling at midnight along the Famosa Highway north of Bakersfield, when the front tire of his motorcycle blew out as he was crossing railroad tracks. The motorcycle turned over and the 33-year-old patrolman was hurled 70 feet and killed instantly.

Line of Duty 10/30/1929

Howard Garlinger
1929

Howard Garlinger - ID NR

CHP Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

Wednesday, October 30, 1929

Officer Howard Garlinger, 31, was on the evening shift patrolling in East Bakersfield when a motorist made a turn in front of the patrolman as he was approaching an intersection. Garlinger struck the vehicle broadside and was flung from his motorcycle, sustaining fatal head injuries. The patrolman had previously served four years with the Kern County Traffic Squad prior to the Squad being absorbed into the CHP in 1929.