To the community,

Since May 7, 2010, the California Highway Patrol has suffered the loss of five officers in the line of duty. The CHP appreciates the assistance and outpouring of support it’s received from throughout the nation, which gives us comfort during this difficult time.

“No words can describe the loss felt by our department and the families of these fallen heroes,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “As we mourn their recent loss, our brave and dedicated officers vow to honor the memory of their fallen comrades by continuing to carry out the CHP’s mission of providing the highest level of safety, service, and security to the motoring public.”

For more than 80 years, CHP officers have put their lives on the line to make sure our roadways and communities are safe. During that time, 220 uniformed members of our organization have made the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to make California’s roadways some of the safest in the nation.

“It’s times like these that re-emphasize how dangerous this profession is and it strengthens the resolve of the men and women of the CHP,” said California Association of Highway Patrolmen President Rob Nelson. “It is imperative that the loss of these officers serve as a reminder to the public to be cautious when approaching emergency incidents on the highway.”

In 2007, the Move Over, Slow Down law went into effect in California. This law requires a person who is driving a vehicle on a freeway and approaching in a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, or a stopped tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, to move out of that lane when legal, safe and practicable, or slow to a reasonable and safe speed.

“Many of these tragedies involving our officers and other highway workers and emergency personnel could be avoided,” added Farrow. “While the department is committed to the highest level of training for every officer, it is every motorist’s responsibility to drive attentively and exercise caution on the roadway.”

Jeff Gartner, CHP South Lake Tahoe