Two law enforcement agencies are mourning the loss of two men killed while on duty in their respective jurisdictions, one an Alameda County sheriff’s deputy struck by an inmate transport bus, the other a California Highway Patrol officer struck and killed during a high-speed chase.
Alameda County is mourning the loss of Deputy Michael Foley, 60, who was struck by a bus at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on Wednesday. Foley, a veteran deputy with lengthy ties to local law enforcement, died at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek Thursday.
Officer Lucas Chellew died during a high-speed chase just after the beginning of his shift in south Sacramento Wednesday. The eight-year veteran and father of two was pursuing a fleeing motorcyclist on Fruitridge Road, east of Highway 99, about 5:45 p.m.
The chase ended Chellew’s motorcycle collided with the right side of an uninvolved car and was thrown from his motorcycle, according to investigators.
He suffered major injuries from the crash and was taken to UC Davis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m. Thursday.
Whenever I see the memorial signs on interstates and highways that list a fallen police officer I make a note of the name and look up what happened. I’ve read several that involved motorcycle cops pursuing a fleeing suspect only to wind up striking the side of an uninvolved vehicle. I wish there was a way to make police motorcycles more visible so that motorists are less likely to pull out in front of one involved in a pursuit. My sympathies to the family and friends of these two officers.
What about the officer on 680?
Saw the motorcade this morning. Rest easy brother.