Highway named after fallen CHP officer

The name of a local California Highway Patrol officer now graces the highway where he lost his life 26 years ago while chasing a drunken driver.

A 5-mile section of Highway 74 south of Vista Point has officially been named Michael A. Brandt Memorial Highway.

A ceremony unveiling a road sign bearing Brandt’s name took place Wednesday at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert.

An eight-year veteran of the CHP at the time of his death, Brandt left behind a wife, Sylvia and twin daughters, Nicole and Monique, who were 5 years old at the time of his death.

“It’s been a long time coming, a very long time coming, but we are so thrilled that everyone turned out today and in honor, came to pay their respects to my father,” said Monique Brandt.

Officer Brandt was 34 years old when he was killed. He is one of five CHP officers stationed at the Indio office who have lost their lives in the line of duty.