Fallen CHP Officer Remembered In Redlands

(KABC) – CHP officer Tom Coleman, who was killed during a high-speed pursuit, was honored in a public memorial at the Redlands Bowl on Thursday.

There was a massive show of support from law enforcement all across the country, with motorcycle officers attending the memorial from Nevada, Texas, Missouri and even New Jersey. It’s estimated that close to 1,500 officers came to honor the fallen officer.

A procession escorted Coleman’s casket into the Redlands Bowl just before 10 a.m. Coleman, known as Hank, was only 33 years old. He leaves behind his wife Jamie and two young children.

“He died living his dream. This is what he wanted to do. He wanted to be a motor officer for the CHP,” said friend John Ferguson. “You guys had a great, great officer.”

Coleman grew up in West Covina, attended Damien High School and served four-and-a-half years in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the CHP eight years ago.

Coleman was killed while in pursuit of a suspect, Richard Perez, who would not pull over when Coleman tried to stop him for a seatbelt violation. Perez, 20, allegedly sped away, and three minutes later, Coleman was killed when his motorcycle struck a big rig. Perez was charged with second-degree murder on Monday.

“There’s an inherent risk with any law enforcement job, and riding a motorcycle for the department is no different,” said CHP colleague Shane Hughes. “We can honor Tom and all who have ridden in the past by continuing to ride.”

Colleagues said he was known for his big hugs, called the “Coleman hugs.” His chief said Coleman loved his job, was good at it and was proud of what he did.