Richard L. Simpson

Officer Richard Simpson was killed in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Main and Doris Streets in Porterville at 2:30 pm. Officer Simpson was en route to serve a warrant when he was notified of a severe accident nearby. As he traveled north on Main Street to the scene with his lights and sirens on, he was struck by a vehicle turning east. He succumbed to his injuries before arriving at the hospital. Officer Simpson was a United States WWII veteran who had just returned to the California Highway Patrol, serving for almost two years.

He was survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, parents, and a sister.