Fallen CHP Officer Nathan Taylor Remembered For Going The Extra Mile
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A 21-gun salute and a flyover were part of a ceremony to honor a fallen California Highway Patrol officer who was struck by a car during a Sierra snowstorm.
"It's very somber," said Chris Nave with CHP Gold Run.
Hundreds came to say goodbye to Nathan Taylor at the Hillside Christian Church in Roseville.
"Everyone's sad because gosh I don't know how to say this but he was such a great man," he said.
Despite the sun shining brightly, the mood was somber and reflective.
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"He was the guy who was known for paying someone $100 to get off the freeway, or off duty he would pick them up and give them a ride where they needed to go," he said.
Taylor was finishing managing traffic on March 12 while crews cleared an accident when an SUV struck him. The hazardous weather conditions kept crews from flying him out. He was instead transported by ground where he underwent surgery. He died the next day.
Friends family and colleagues of the fallen CHP officer gathered to honor the man who would go the extra mile for others. CBS13 spoke to an Alameda man who shared his story of Taylor giving him a ride after his ski trip was scrapped.
On this day, those who knew the six year veteran, and those who didn't, tried to do the same.
"We are going to take the time to honor and remember him the best way we can and we will continue to do so in the future by going out there and doing the job we need to do the best we can so that we can remember him along with all the others who lost their lives in this job," Guillermo Garcia said.
Gov. Jerry Brown and around 20 different agencies from across the country showed their support on Tuesday.
It was ironic for those who knew Taylor, like Nave.
"He was gracious and humble and didn't want any attention for any of it," he said.
