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View Winners → Pasadena Police and Chris Holden Dedicate Freeway Memorial For Slain Officer , Agent Richard Morris
Pasadena Independent Mar 13, 2015
Cal Phil's elaborate fireworks show closed the first in a new series at Santa Anita
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Hundreds of people turned out on exceptionally warm March morning in Pasadena to honor a fallen officer who was killed in the line of duty March 13, 1969.
Officers wearing black bands across their badges stood at attention while various officials spoke of Agent Morris’ bravery that day all those years ago.
A portion of the Foothill (I-210) Freeway in Pasadena will be dedicated in honor of slain Pasadena Police Agent Richard Morris on March 13, 2015–the 46th anniversary of his killing. Agent Morris’ death marked the first time in the history of the Pasadena Police Department that a sworn officer was killed in the line of duty.
The ceremony was a joint effort between the Pasadena Police Department and Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), whose office wrote Resolution (ACR 170) authorizing the memorial signs. A section of the I-210 Freeway between Rosemead Boulevard and Allen Avenue will be called the Richard Morris Memorial Highway. Assembly Member Holden, Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez, Pasadena City officials, Caltrans and members of the Morris family attended the ceremony.
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At the time of the shooting, Agent Morris was part of an undercover team investigating an assault on another police officer. A struggle ensued when officers went to the suspect’s home and Agent Morris was shot by the suspect. He had been with the department for seven years.
“At great personal risk, Agent Morris engaged an armed suspect who clearly had violent intentions. After he was shot, Agent Morris was surrounded by his partners who risked their lives to save his, but in the end he did not survive. Agent Morris is gone but not forgotten. His warrior spirit lives on in the hearts of our contemporary Pasadena Police Officers who continue to serve with honor, integrity and courage,” Police Chief Sanchez said.
