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.