Pasadena Police, Assemblymember Holden to Dedicate Freeway Memorial for Slain Officer

A portion of the Foothill Freeway (I-210) in Pasadena will be dedicated in honor of slain Pasadena Police Agent Richard Morris on March 13 – the 46th anniversary of his killing. His death marked the first time in the history of the Pasadena Police Department that a sworn officer was killed in the line of duty.

The public is invited to attend 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, Pasadena City officials, Caltrans and members of the Morris family will be on hand at the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

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.”

* Agent Morris Memorial Sign Dedication
* Friday, March 13 at 9:00 AM
* Pasadena Police Department, 207 N. Garfield Avenue

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.