Officer Raymond A. Geiger had just left his home to report for the graveyard shift when his motorcycle collided head-on with an automobile that was passing on a hill. Geiger, 28, died instantly from the impact. The accident happened so close to Geiger’s home that his wife, who heard the commotion, walked to the scene thinking her husband was handling the investigation. She was intercepted by another officer who was attempting to spare her the sight of the smashed motorcycle that belonged to her husband.

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.

Deputy Howard Scheffler was employed with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department one year. He was hired on February 1, 1955, and assigned to the Indio Station. Before joining the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Scheffler worked for Coronado Police Department.

Deputy Scheffler was driving home from a day off in Riverside. He had worked patrol the night before. His vehicle veered off the dividing strip and rolled, killing Deputy Scheffler instantly.

Deputy Scheffler was survived by his wife, Wilhelmina, and twin daughters.

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.

Patrolman Robert F. Bowers was killed in an automobile accident on Dec. 12, while in a high-speed pursuit of a motorcycle. Upon entering an intersection, his cruiser struck a pickup truck and was spun around, ejecting him.

He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

His wife and young daughter survived Bowers.