Just five days before Christmas, a young Oceanside Police Officer was gunned down and killed during a traffic stop in the northeast part of the city.

Officer Dan Bessant (23) was shot after responding to a request for backup call from Officer Karina Pina (28), at about 6:20 p.m. on December 20. Pina had stopped a car with six people in it for a vehicle code violation and called for backup as she questioned the occupants. Bessant arrived about four minutes later. Approximately 15 minutes into the call, several shots were fired from behind the officers at a distance of 70 to 100 yards. A single round entered the area of Officer Bessant’s left armpit, an area not covered by the protective vest he was wearing. Pina returned fire towards the source, radioed 11-99, and dragged Officer Bessant to safety providing cover until additional officers arrived.

Oceanside Fire Department arrived and immediately started to work Officer Bessant next to the car. Mercy Air arrived shortly after and flew him to Scripps Hospital in LaJolla where he was pronounced dead.

Law enforcement officers from as far as Coronado, National City and Chula Vista responded to the scene, along with sheriff’s deputies, California Highway Patrol officers, and officers from the county Probation Department, Carlsbad and Escondido.

A two block area was cordoned off and the neighborhood searched door-to-door. Witnesses reportedly directed officers to several homes on Arthur Street, which helped to identify those taken in for questioning. Sometime after 3:00 the following morning a 17-year-old reportedly confessed to the shooting. Shortly after, another juvenile was arrested. Both were booked into juvenile hall for 187 and 182 PC.

The motive for the shooting was not known, but the neighborhood, which is near the back gate of Camp Pendleton, has been the location of several gang shootings. Officer Bessant was recently assigned to work the Mesa Margarita/back gate area, handpicked by Lt. Tom Aguigui for the neighborhood policing team.

“It’s not just something anyone can go into,” Aguigui said. “You have to be motivated, proactive and have a passion for working with the community, and he had that. He was a very, very driven employee.” “Dan was one of those who would flourish wherever you put him.”

Officer Bessant was well known and well liked in the community he served. Born in Oceanside, he graduated from Oceanside High School and lived in the city with his wife, Katelyn. Bessant had recently returned to duty from paternity leave following the birth of their son, Wyatt.

On December 27, 2006, over 2,000 friends, family members, and law enforcement officers gathered at New Venture Christian Fellowship Church to honor Officer Dan Bessant. Although a solemn event, the church was filled with laughter as those who knew him best shared memories of Bessant’s life.

“He gave his life for the city he loved. Now we have to give our love and support to his family,” said Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy. “His life was taken with a selfish and senseless act of violence, but he died doing what he loved – trying to make his community a better place.”

The Bessant family made the following comments in the service program. “Dan was a delightful son who made his parents proud, a fun brother who never let his brother down, a friend whose friendship enriched so many, a husband whose marriage was the happy center of his life, an enthusiastic father who had just begun the role of being a great dad. He took great joy in being a police officer and was proud of the community he served. His passion for life affected everything he did and everyone who knew him. Our living tribute to Dan will be in continuing his passion for life, his sense of fun and adventure and his willingness to serve.”

At approximately 5:45 p.m. on November 14, Kern County Deputy Sheriff William Hudnall (43) was killed when his patrol car was hit head-on by a suspected drunken driver on Highway 178. The crash sent Deputy Hudnall’s car over a steep, rocky embankment east of the Lower Richbar Campground and into the canyon.

An off-duty firefighter was the first to discover the accident and call it in, according to Kern County Fire Department Capt. Dennis Monahan. When rescue workers arrived, they found a BMW 328i still on the roadway and the patrol car, a 2003 Ford Explorer, about 100 feet down, resting on its right side on a rock pile near the river. The firefighter who reported the accident was already down in the canyon trying to resuscitate one of the victims.

The driver of the BMW, Daniel Willsey, an attorney from Montrose, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and vehicular manslaughter, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kirk Arnold. An arrestee whom Deputy Hudnall was transporting was injured and reported in stable condition. Willsey suffered serious injuries. Deputy Hudnall was taken to Kern County Medical Center with major head trauma, where he was pronounced dead.

Deputy William Hudnall is survived by his wife, Carrie; three sons Joshua (21), Creighton (5), and Chancellor (2) and a daughter, Jennifer (19).

At 3:27 a.m. this morning (Friday, 10/27/06), a Sacramento Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the South Bureau conducted a vehicle stop at Meiss and Dillard Roads on a white Chevrolet van with one occupant.

Approximately seven minutes later, the Sheriff’s Communications Center conducted a welfare check on the officer, without a response units responded to his location.

The initial responding unit arrived at the location approximately 20 minutes later and found the Deputy with a gunshot wound to his head. At that point, officers requested emergency medical aid for the Deputy and initiated a large perimeter to begin conducting a search of the area. The Deputy was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 4:45 a.m. as a result of his injuries.

Currently, an ongoing extensive search of the surrounding area and the southern part of Sacramento County is being conducted by multiple agencies including the California Highway Patrol, Sacramento Police, Elk Grove Police, Folsom Police, Rancho Cordova Police, Amador County Sheriff’s Office and numerous other law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with information regarding the van, which may have suffered damage while fleeing the scene or the homicide of this Sheriff’s Deputy, please contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at (800)471-1700 or (916)874-6500 or via the Sacramento County Sheriff’s website at www.sacsheriff.com .

Deputy Jeffrey Mitchell, 38, is a 9-year veteran of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and has been assigned to Patrol Services since 2002. He is survived by his wife and young children. Trust Fund Information

Stockmans Bank
9340 East Stockton Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Account #: 103047445

Anyone with information regarding the van, which may have suffered damage while fleeing the scene or the homicide of this Sheriff’s Deputy, please contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at (800) 471-1700 or (916) 874-6500

In the early morning hours of October 22, 2006, Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Area Officer Landon Dorris and his partner, Officer Marc Fujiwara, were investigating a minor traffic collision at Riverside Drive and Hyperion Avenue. Officer Dorris was outside his cruiser when a car heading west on Riverside Drive struck him. The force of the impact caused Dorris to hit another car that was waiting to turn left onto the Golden State Freeway onramp.

Officer Dorris was transported to University of Southern California Medical Center in critical condition with major head trauma. Despite the best efforts of the hospital emergency staff, Dorris did not survive his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Dorris stopped and was neither arrested nor cited, according to Sgt. Lee Sands, adding alcohol was not a factor in the tragedy.

“Right now it’s being deemed as an unfortunate accident,” Sands said.

Latter that Sunday morning, LAPD Chief William Bratton and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held a news conference where they expressed their grief over the officer’s death. “The men and women of the LAPD are deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow officer,” Bratton said. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Officer Dorris during this difficult time.” Villaraigosa declared Monday, October 23rd a day of mourning, with flags at all city buildings flown at half-staff.

At the time of his death, Officer Dorris was 31-years-old and had been with the LAPD for 3 years and 4 months. Prior to his service with the LAPD, Dorris served six years with the California Highway Patrol as a motorcycle officer. He is survived by his mother Elaine; fiancee Marisabel; two sons, ages 1 and 3; and sisters Carrie and Amy.

Over 2000 fellow officers, city and state dignitaries, friends, and family of Officer Dorris gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles on the morning of Friday, October 27th, to pay their respects.

Mayor Villaraigosa spoke in honor of Officer Dorris. “Today my heavy heart, and the heavy hearts of every Angeleno, is with the family of Officer Landon Dorris.

Our hearts and our prayers are with his mother, with his fiancé, and with his two young boys, who are not yet old enough to fully understand that their father was a true hero.

Our hearts are also with each and every member of the Los Angeles Police Department, and particularly to the members of the Northeast Area Station, as we share in their sorrow for the loss of one of their own.

Today should remind all of us of the great sacrifices made and risks taken by the brave men and women of the LAPD in order to keep us safe.

It reminds us that our officers have dedicated their lives to the most noble of professions.

And it reminds us what a tremendous debt of gratitude we owe each and every member of the Los Angeles Police Department, who put their lives on the line every day.”

Following the memorial services, Officer Landon Dorris was laid to rest at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar.

A trust fund has been established to support Dorris’ two young sons. Donations should be sent to the Blue Ribbon Trust Account, Attention Officer Dorris Fund c/o Steve Getsoff, 17404 Ventura Blvd., second floor, Encino, CA 91316.

The life of a decorated Marine and public servant was, “cut short far too soon” by a hit-and-run driver. At 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 5th, CHP Officer Brent Clearman, age 33, was investigating a minor traffic collision on the 66th Avenue on-ramp to I-880 in Oakland, when a passing vehicle struck him and sped away. Clearman suffered major injuries to his right arm, right leg and a number of internal organs, and was admitted to Highland Hospital in critical condition. Early the next morning he succumbed to his injuries. His supervisor, Captain James Leonard reported, “The medical staff at Highland did everything humanly and medically possible to save him, and I’m told that Brent fought.”

An Oakland man later turned himself in and was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. Russell Rodrigues, 47, had been employed by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years in a civilian position. He reportedly resigned from the department two years earlier for undisclosed reasons to avoid being fired.

In his brief career with the CHP, Officer Clearman made a big impact. Assigned to the Oakland Area on April 22, 2006, colleagues say Clearman thrived on getting criminals off the street. The month before his death, he and his partner arrested 33 people for drunken driving.

Clearman joined the CHP after a distinguished 12-year career in the Marine Corps, including two tours in Iraq. A sharpshooter and expert in mountaineering and mountain warfare, he left the Marines in 2003. Before joining the CHP, he trained snipers for law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada.

On August 10, 2006, a procession led from the Oakland CHP office to the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord where Officer Clearman was honored by some 2,000 friends, family, fellow officers, and state and local dignitaries.

Speaking at the service, Commissioner Mike Brown asked that we all, “…remember Brent. Let us make this mean something to each and every one of us. And let us all pray it doesn’t happen again.”

FBI agent Art Scotto described Clearman as, “soft-spoken, respectful and reserved, but he wasn’t soft in any way.” Scotto, who became friends with Clearman while they served in the Marines, said when Clearman joined the CHP, he narrowed his assignment choices to Oakland and South Los Angeles because “he wanted a challenge”. Scotto described his friend as “a true leader. He went beyond the call. I am certain I will never meet another like you. Semper Fi, my friend.”

Although Officer Clearman’s family did not speak at the service, CHP Sgt. Jim Howarth read aloud a letter from Clearman’s mother. In the letter, Carol Clearman said her son’s life was “cut short far too soon.” She said her son “had many achievements, including duty, loyalty, courage, heroism and love for family and a happy marriage.” “Brent, I hope you know how much your father and I loved you and how proud we are of your accomplishments. But more important, of the outstanding way you lived your life.”

Officer Clearman is survived by his wife Cathy Jo, who is a CHP dispatcher, his parents William and Carol Clearman, and sisters Ann, Tara, Julie and Amy. Clearman was laid to rest at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, with full Marine honors.

Donations can be made to:
“Brent Clearman Memorial Fund”
c/o Oakland CHP
3601 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609

In the early morning hours of July 26, 2006, San Francisco Police Officer Nick Birco (39) was killed when his patrol car was struck by a vanload of armed robbery suspects.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. police received a call from the victim of a robbery. The man had been waiting for a bus in the 500 block of Bayshore Boulevard when he was punched in the face and robbed. The victim accompanied responding officers in a search of the area to look for the suspects and vehicle. Officers located the suspect vehicle, noting that the license plate matched that of a stolen vehicle broadcast earlier. As officers approached, the suspects fled the scene.

With officers in pursuit, the van sped northbound on Cambridge where it ran a stop sign and struck the rear quarter-panel of Officer Birco’s patrol car. The impact of the crash caused Birco’s car to spin 360 degrees, striking a power pole before landing on its side. Officer Birco was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after doctors could not revive him.

Four suspects were arrested after the stolen van they were driving crashed. They are identified as Carl Lather (21), Nicolas Smith (21), Steven Petrilli (19), and Jessica Chamberlain (20). Petrilli is a recidivist criminal who, at the time of this incident, had two pending felony charges against him. First degree murder charges have been filed by the SFDA’s office.

On August 2, 2006, Officer Nick Tomasito Birco was laid to rest. Much of central San Francisco was shut down to traffic as over 2,000 people – friends, family, and fellow law enforcement officers from throughout California and beyond – paid their respects at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Mayor Gavin Newsom greeted the Birco family at the church and walked in with them, following the casket, pallbearers, and honor guard.

Gary Delagnes, President of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said the world contains three kinds of people. Most are sheep, he said, unaware of the dangers in life. Some are wolves, preying on the sheep. The third, he said, are sheepdogs, dedicated to the safety of the flock. Birco, he said, and all the officers at St. Mary’s are sheepdogs. “Nick Birco chose the path of honor, dedication, and courage,” Delagnes said. Turning to the Birco family he said, “You must be so proud of the man you raised.”

Family and friends described Birco as a funny and friendly guy with an easy smile. His nickname, “St. Nick” was earned from dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas and because of his generosity.

Officer Birco was born in the Philippines and moved with his family to the United States when he was 4 years old. He grew up in San Francisco, spent four years in the Marines serving in the Persian Gulf, and at the age of 34, joined the San Francisco Police Department.

During his 5-year career with SFPD, Officer Birco was awarded a Police Commission Commendation and 11 Captain Complimentary awards. He also received two letters from citizens impressed with his level of service and professionalism.

Birco is survived by his parents, Tomasito and Zenaida Birco; sisters Christine Bryant and Holly Birco; two nephews and a niece.

Donations in memory of Officer Birco can be sent to the Police Credit Union, 2550 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122, and made payable to the Nick Tomasito Birco Fund, account No. 1365645.

On July 3, 2006, the Covina Police Department lost a 21-year veteran and their first officer In the Line of Duty. Sergeant Scott A. Hanson succumbed to injuries sustained in a traffic collision nearly three years earlier. On August 14, 2003, Sgt. Hanson was traveling westbound on Badillo Street in his police unit. Upon entering the intersection at Citrus Avenue, Sgt. Hanson’s unit was struck broadside by another motorist who entered the intersection against the red light. As a result of the collision, Sgt. Hanson suffered extensive head trauma and never regained consciousness. After years of hospitalization and round-the-clock care, Sgt. Hanson passed away from multi-organ failure. “His body finally failed but his spirit never died,” said Covina Police Chief Kim Raney.

Sgt. Hanson started his career as a dispatcher with the Fullerton Police Department. Covina hired him as a police officer in 1985. He worked as a patrol officer, field training officer, detective, senior officer and patrol sergeant. Just two days before the collision that eventually took his life, Hanson celebrated his 18th anniversary with the Covina Police Department and the completion of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Chapman University.

Over 1,000 fellow officers, friends, and family members gathered at St. Louise De Marillac Roman Catholic Church on July 11th to pay their respects and honor Sgt. Hanson. He was remembered as a life-long Covina resident who married a local girl, raised a family, and served the community he loved. Chief Raney recalled, “He always wanted to be a cop. He wanted to serve the city he grew up in and he died serving the city.”

Growing up with three brothers and three sisters, Hanson showed glimpses of his chosen career from a very young age. His sister Sherrie Williams remembered Scott always playing the good guy. When a neighbor boy took a young Hanson’s bike and hid it, Williams said her brother called in the authorities – parents. The boy told the adults that Hanson gave the bike to him. Scott then pointed a finger at the culprit and declared, “Jimmy Johnson, you are a liar and a thief!” and the bike was returned.

Many state and local dignitaries were in attendance to honor Sgt. Hanson, including State Attorney General Bill Lockyer, “I’m honored to represent the law enforcement community and the 37 million Californians who share the grief of the family and friends of Scott Hanson.” He said Hanson didn’t choose his date of birth or his date of death, “…but the dash between those dates was his. He made wonderful choices. We acknowledge and honor him for the choices he made.”

“Scott Hanson was a godly and honorable man who went above and beyond to serve this community,” said Covina Councilman John King. “It was an honor for me to meet him and to know he was serving on our police force. He was a truly wonderful man.”

“He was a gentleman’s gentleman. Intelligent, analytical, practical and compassionate,” said County Fire Captain Randy Alva, a longtime friend who met him when they worked at the Fox Theater in the 1970s. Alva is one of “The Boys,” a group of Hanson’s friends who mostly worked at the theater. They would hang out at the local Marie Callender’s where another friend, Allison, worked. Allison and Scott eventually married and had two children, Andrew and Sarah.

In addition to his wife and children, Sgt. Hanson is survived by his mother Ursula; brothers Don, Chuck, and Ken; sisters, Sherrie Williams, Kerrie Dennis, and Jerrie Foss.

Sgt. Scott Hanson was laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora wearing his uniform and his badge. In honor of him, the department will never use his number again – Sergeant No. 4.

On Tuesday, March 28, 2006, Deputy Maria Rosa, was shot and killed by two robbery suspects after they identified her as a deputy during the incident.

Deputy Rosa was leaving her home to report for duty when two suspects approached her on bicycles and attempted to rob her. As they took items from her they discovered her gun and badge and immediately opened fire. Rosa was able to pull her weapon and attempted to return fire to defend herself, but was shot multiple times by her assailants.

Deputy Rosa was immediately transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Both suspects were apprehended and charged with her murder. In 2007 the non-shooting suspect was convicted of murder. The trial of the suspect who actually shot Deputy Rosa is in progress now.

Deputy Rosa had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for 6 years. She is survived by her sister and two brothers.

Sheriff’s Motorcycle Deputy Pierre Bain dedicated himself to traffic enforcement in the Lancaster area, “It was his crusade” Lancaster sheriff’s station commander Capt. Carl Deeley said. “He took it personally that so many people in this city die in traffic collisions.” On the evening of March 23, Deputy Bain sacrificed his life while protecting Lancaster citizens from dangerous drivers.

Bain had been patrolling for speeders and other traffic violators along Avenue K when he entered the intersection of 20th Street on a green light with lights and sirens on in pursuit of a speeding motorist. A Honda SUV turned left in front of him and slowed as its 73-year-old driver saw his oncoming motorcycle, authorities said. Despite defensive maneuvers by Bain, the SUV clipped his motorcycle causing him to go down, eventually hitting several trees on the side of the road. He suffered massive injuries and was in full cardiac arrest at the scene.

Within the last year Sheriff’s officials had stepped up patrols of the area after 110 crashes and six fatalities in the first part of 2005. Deputy Bain was Avenue K’s first fatality since the increased patrols began.

Described by his supervisors as “someone who loved his job, someone who was always ready, and someone who had an infectious smile,” Deputy Bain was also remembered as a joy to work with, a man with a hilarious sense of humor, and a talent for befriending the motorists he had just ticketed. “Pierre was a people person,” his partner Deputy John White said. “There was no ‘License, registration, insurance, have-a-nice-day’ routine for him. When it was over, people would even thank him for giving them tickets.”

Just a week before his death, a colleague passed by while Bain was writing a ticket and returned a few minutes later to find the deputy and the motorist both looking under the hood of the driver’s vehicle, enthusiastically discussing diesel engines.

Deputy Bain is survived by his wife Diana, and three daughters from a previous marriage: Chantal, 21, Kristina, 19, and Alicia, 17, as well as his mother and father and a brother. Chantal was home visiting her father while on Army leave after serving in Iraq.

Recently, Deputy Bain and his wife had purchased an 800-square-foot home in Agua Dulce so they could have land and raise animals. When Bain died the couple was in the process of renovating the house, which has no central heating or air conditioning and needs a new roof. “Obviously, that was something they would endure because they would do it together,” said Capt. Deeley.

A relief fund has been established for the Bain family. Donors can stop by the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station, 501 West Lancaster Blvd., or send donations to: Pierre Bain Fund No. 288, c/o Sheriff’s Relief Association, 11515 South Colima Road, Building B, Whittier, CA 90604.

To donate services, supplies or inquire about assisting with work on the property, please contact Lt. Steve Fredericks or deputies Jon White or Mike Berk at the Lancaster Station, (661) 948-8466.

A 10-year veteran of the CHP, Officer Gregory “John” Bailey was killed after he pulled over a suspected drunk driver on Interstate 15 near Hesperia. He made the stop while he was heading home after the end of his shift. As Bailey stood on the shoulder, a second suspected drunk driver drove onto the right shoulder at a high rate of speed, struck the CHP motorcycle, the violator’s vehicle, and Officer Bailey. The violator’s vehicle was struck with such force it overturned, landing in the freeway traffic lanes. All three parties were transported by ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. Officer Bailey died from his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. The DUI driver, Domingo Esqueda, age 20, of Adelanto, reportedly had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.

Bailey was the sixth Highway Patrol officer to be killed on duty in previous five months.

At least 1,500 people, and several hundred uniformed officers and soldiers attended Officer Bailey’s memorial service at the Rock Church in San Bernardino, where he was remembered as a man devoted to his wife, Teresa, and their four young children, and for his service in the U.S. Army, the California National Guard, and the California Highway Patrol.

Born in Michigan, Bailey moved with his family to rural Thurmont, Maryland, when he and his sister were young. Aimee Bailey recalled a playful older brother who chased her with bugs and lizards and later taught her to drive a stick-shift. “I thought the two of us would grow old,” she told mourners.

After high school, Bailey trained as a helicopter mechanic in the Army, repairing Blackhawks. He entered the CHP academy in 1995, spending five years in the Barstow Area office before transferring to Rancho Cucamonga to become a motorcycle officer. Last November Bailey returned from a 14-month tour in Iraq with the California National Guard.

In their remarks at the service, several of John Bailey’s friends and colleagues called him a cowboy – as much for his adventurous spirit as for his boots and custom hats.

CHP Officer Mike Hootman recalled a long trip that he and Bailey took on their motorcycles for a special assignment. “I’ll never forget how special it was and how cool it was to ride side by side by my friend on a CHP motorcycle doing something we loved so much,” Hootman said.

“He gave his life by protecting citizens of California,” said CHP Inland Division Chief John Fogerty. “He was a hero, not a victim.”

“I know that John was doing his duty as a solider of the law when he died,” said CHP Commissioner Mike Brown. “He could have turned a blind eye. … But he believed in taking drunk drivers off the road.”

Brown, Fogerty and Maj. Gen. William Wade II of the California National Guard, each kneeling, handed folded flags to Bailey’s parents, Leonard and Lavonne Bailey.

The funeral service ended and mourners filed outside for a final farewell – a 21-gun salute under a drizzling sky. Each of the officer’s children clutched a teddy bear as their mother was presented with a pair of American flags.