Sad News Out of Santa Cruz

[NWTSCL]

I just learned from a friend in the Monterey Area Dispatch that a Lieutenant assigned to the Santa Cruz area has been killed on SR 17 while attempting to assist a disabled motorist shortly after 2200 hours on New Years Eve. A Caltrans employee also suffered a broken leg. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor. It was CAD log 849 for 12/31/05 out of the CHP Monterey Communications Cener.

Monterey, Hollister-Gilroy and San Jose Area officers were/are handling CHP incidents in Santa Cruz county to relieve the Santa Cruz Area officers. I used to work for Caltrans maintenance. I know how dangerous SR 17 is.

Allow me to express my sinsere heart-felt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers.

[Tom]

I just read this and got a call from a co-worker and know some more details. Any GGD past/present employess feel free to PM me.

Tom

[SB 405]

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/January/01/local/stories/02local.htm

[16528]

I'm really getting tired of using this avatar....:cry: :cry:


CHP officer and motorist die in New Year's accident on Highway 17
By Elise AckermanMercury News

A 25-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol was killed New Year's Eve while responding to an accident in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

CHP Sgt. Wayne Ziese said the CHP officer had apparently stopped at the scene of a crash on Highway 17 just south of Glenwood Drive at 9:57 p.m. Saturday when an errant motorist plowed into the cars.

Ziese said the driver of the car also reportedly died. The names of the driver and the CHP officer -- a 43-year-old supervisor from Vacaville with the rank of lieutenant -- have not been released. A Caltrans worker who also on the scene was seriously injured.
According to the CHP Web site, three CHP officers were killed in the line of duty in 2005.

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

That really sucks. I only wish the best for all of you.

[Fish'nChip]

Here is more information.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/baycitynews/archive/2006/01/01/chp01.DTL

FnC

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

It is tragic that things like this happen. All of you stay safe for the new year.

[bcjack]

Is it "Normal" for a Lt. to be out on patrol like Lt. Walker was??? Did it have to with the Holiday weekend, or was it just his choice?

Anyone who knows Lt. Walker, please convey my sympathies to his family, his office mates and the entire CHP family.:sad:

[Mac]

Is it "Normal" for a Lt. to be out on patrol like Lt. Walker was??? Did it have to with the Holiday weekend, or was it just his choice?
No, it's not normal - in fact, in most areas of the state it's so rare as to be almost unheard of. You very seldom see anybody above the rank of Sergeant on the road. Lts and above are primarily administrative personnel, and work "banker's hours" for the most part. Lt. Walker was probably working the road to help out his troops over the holiday weekend MEP (Maximum Enforcement Period.)

[Tom]

Mike was just that kind of guy. He will be missed.

Tom

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

Is it "Normal" for a Lt. to be out on patrol like Lt. Walker was??? Did it have to with the Holiday weekend, or was it just his choice?
No, it's not normal - in fact, in most areas of the state it's so rare as to be almost unheard of. You very seldom see anybody above the rank of Sergeant on the road. Lts and above are primarily administrative personnel, and work "banker's hours" for the most part. Lt. Walker was probably working the road to help out his troops over the holiday weekend MEP (Maximum Enforcement Period.)

This shows his dedication

[FuelInjection09]

I guess they were standing between the Cal-Trans truck and the patrol car, or the RP vehicle and got sandwitched. What a bad year. :cry:

[pupdog]

Yes, it was. Everyone be safe out there (especially in this weather) so that this year is different.

[bcjack]

Thanks Mac...that is kind of what I thought, but with these lean budget times, I just wasn't sure.

[RoadDawg]

Well I cant say for certain whether Lt. Walker was on the road by choice or not, but I do know times are changing and the Lt?s around the state will be working more shift work. In many Area?s there will be a Lt working during both A and B watch, not to mention out and about during the MEP?s. The days of banker?s hours for the Lt's are coming to an end.

[NWTSCL]

FYI: Lt. Walker's funeral will be held today in Vacaville at 11 am. Rest in peace. . .

[Phil the Frenchy]

What a so sad time, all my condoleances go to LT Walker family and fellow offciers.