Senator Janet Nguyen with elected officials, law enforcement, and the wife of Officer Nicholas Vella at his new memorial. View video of the helicopter flyover here.
Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) unveiled a highway memorial sign today for a fallen Huntington Beach police helicopter pilot, officially establishing Beach Boulevard through Huntington Beach as “Officer Nicholas Vella Memorial Highway.”
The event was marked with a helicopter flyover by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and a eulogy by Huntington Beach police Chaplain Roger Wing.
Vella died in a helicopter crash over the ocean on Feb. 19, 2022. Senator Janet Nguyen introduced legislation (ACR 162) to create two freestanding signs on Beach Boulevard to mark the highway in Vella’s honor. This is the first sign, placed just a quarter mile from Pacific Coast Highway with a view of the ocean. The second sign will stand at the northern end of the city near Talbert Avenue.
“Nick died doing what he loved – patrolling the skies. I know this won’t ever erase the pain of losing such a hero, but now millions of people will see this sign and know his name,” Senator Janet Nguyen said. “From chasing suspects, tracking AMBER alerts and quelling major disturbances on holidays, Nick was determined to keep us safe. And he did.”
Senator Janet Nguyen said carrying the bill to establish the Vella highway was an honor.
“Thank you to Nick’s family, the police and the city for allowing me to play this small role in his life,” she said. “Nick had great devotion to his family and the police force – I wish I had the opportunity to meet him.”
Huntington Beach has lost three officers and one K-9 in the line of duty. The first happened in 1928 and the most recent was the K-9 in 1991 until Vella’s death. Vella leaves behind his wife Kristi, daughter Dylan, parents John and Marcella Vella and brother John Vella.
“Nick was a great partner and friend,” said Vella’s longtime partner Officer Mark Wersching. “I hope the sign will let everyone who sees it reflect on Nick’s sacrifice.”