As you remember these fallen officers, take comfort in recalling that they dedicated their lives to the same principles of honor, duty and courage that brought you to the badge. Such a life is truly rich. Take strength in knowing that when an officer falls, our resolve to serve those in need is not diminished. Our dedication to protecting those in danger is not weakened. Our commitment to remembering those with whom we shared the badge does not fade.

Godspeed, brothers and sisters. You fought the good fight. Now rest in peace…

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September 26, 2005

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Driver is jailed in death of veteran Calif. HP officer

Officer Down: David Romero - [Industry, California]

Biographical Info

Age: 47

Additional Info: Officer Romero was a 23-year California Highway Patrol veteran. He leaves behind a wife and five children.

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Officer Romero was killed when a speeding motorist slammed into the back of his police motorcycle while he was sitting at a red light.

Date of Incident: September 23, 2005

Suspect Info: 26-year old, Rudy Lopez Saldana, has been arrested.

From Times Staff Reports

A 26-year-old man was jailed Saturday on suspicion of murder in the death of a California Highway Patrol officer who was struck and killed Friday as he waited on his motorcycle at a red light, authorities said.

Rudy Lopez Saldana was being held in lieu of $1-million bail in the death of David Romero, 47, a veteran CHP officer and married father of five.

Saldana allegedly was driving a car that struck Romero from behind Friday morning at the intersection of Turnbull Canyon Road and Valley Boulevard, authorities said.

Romero was airlifted to a hospital, but pronounced dead on arrival.

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