Dedication Pays Homage to First Pasadena Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

Hundreds of police and police family, fire and government officials and community members gathered Friday morning at Pasadena police headquarters to pay tribute to a fallen Pasadena officer killed the line of duty 46 years ago to the day, and to dedicate a section of section of the I-210 Freeway to his memory.

Pasadena Police Agent Richard Morris’s death in 1969 marked the first time in the history of the Pasadena Police Department that a sworn officer was killed in the line of duty.

The dedication ceremony which is a joint effort between the Pasadena Police Department and Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) whose office passed a Resolution (ACR 170) authorizing the memorial sign. A section of the I-210 Freeway between Rosemead Blvd. and Allen Avenue will be called the Richard Morris Memorial Highway.

Assemblymember Holden along with Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez, Mayor Bill Bogaard and Morris’s sister were on hand at the ceremony.

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 our contemporary Pasadena Police Officers who continue to serve with honor, integrity and courage,” said Police Chief Sanchez.

“This memorial was long-overdue,” Assemblymember Holden explained. “I was proud to lead the effort in the Legislature to add Agent Morris’ name to the list of those who died in service to the community.”

No state funds are used for the memorial signs. Those wishing to contribute to the cost of the signs may donate to the Pasadena Police Foundation, 207 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.