On 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. Kirk served his country as a United States Marine and everyone who knew Kirk knew he loved people, he was charismatic, and that he was the type of man known to help anyone at any opportunity. Kirk is survived by his wife, Keri, his two adult daughters, Kadi and Kaci, and his son Kole. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them as they grieve with us during this sad time.

Officer Griess was the CAHP Area Representative for the Solano CHP Office since 2016.

Additionally, the driver of the SUV, a 49-year-old man named Jaime Bueza Manuel of Vallejo, also perished as a result of this tragic collision. Our thoughts and prayers are with this man’s family as well.

This incident is still under active investigation.

Donations to a memorial fund in honor of Officer Kirk Griess can be made on the C.A.H.P Credit Union website, https://www.cahpcu.org/OfficerKirkGriessMemorial or mailed to:

Officer Kirk Griess Memorial Fund
CAHP Credit Union
P.O. Box 276507
Sacramento, CA 95827-6507

One hundred percent of all donations received will go directly to his family.