Longtime Azusa police officer killed by hit-and-run driver
POMONA -- A recently retired longtime veteran of the Azusa Police Department was killed Saturday by a wrong-way hit-and-run driver, authorities said.
Randall "Randy" Phillips, 55, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 6:30 a.m. westbound 60 Freeway transition road to the northbound 71 Freeway, Azusa police Sgt. John Madaloni said in a written statement.
"He is survived by his wife and daughter and will be missed by all here at the Azusa Police Department," the statement said.
The initial California Highway Patrol investigation indicated Phillips was riding his motorcycle on the transition road when he was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver who then fled the scene, Madaloni said.
"The suspect was able to flee the scene in his damaged vehicle, which he abandoned on a nearby surface street," according to the Azusa police statement.
Phillips retired as a corporal in the Azusa Police Department on his 50th birthday in 2004, after spending 29 years with the agency, Madaloni said.
He spent most of his career with the department working as a field supervisor in the patrol division, colleagues said, however he also worked in community relations as a police explorer supervisor.
No information regarding services for Phillips was available Saturday.
Randall "Randy" Phillips, 55, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 6:30 a.m. westbound 60 Freeway transition road to the northbound 71 Freeway, Azusa police Sgt. John Madaloni said in a written statement.
"He is survived by his wife and daughter and will be missed by all here at the Azusa Police Department," the statement said.
The initial California Highway Patrol investigation indicated Phillips was riding his motorcycle on the transition road when he was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver who then fled the scene, Madaloni said.
"The suspect was able to flee the scene in his damaged vehicle, which he abandoned on a nearby surface street," according to the Azusa police statement.
Phillips retired as a corporal in the Azusa Police Department on his 50th birthday in 2004, after spending 29 years with the agency, Madaloni said.
He spent most of his career with the department working as a field supervisor in the patrol division, colleagues said, however he also worked in community relations as a police explorer supervisor.
No information regarding services for Phillips was available Saturday.
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
My heart goes out to Randy's family. This is such a tragedy that never should of happened!! Randy was a great guy and will be missed by those who worked with him at the PD. My prayers continue for the friends and family that they can find some comfort and peace in their fond memories of Randy. RIP Randy
RIP Randy! We will miss you! You were a good friend and coworker! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. You will sorely be missed here at PVHD!
RIP Randy! You were a great friend and coworker! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family! You will sorely be missed here at PVHD!
Randy your the best brother anyone could have. I know I have a lot of short commings, but You were always good to me. I was always very proud of you and all your accomplishments. You were a very Good and honest Cop. You continued to do so much for so many people and organizations even after retireing. I wish We could have spent more time together and I was 1/2 the man you ARE.... I Love You so much and I miss You!...Your Brother
Randy your the best brother anyone could have. I know I have a lot of short commings, but You were always good to me. I was always very proud of you and all your accomplishments. You were a very Good and honest Cop. You continued to do so much for so many people and organizations even after retireing. I wish We could have spent more time together and I was 1/2 the man you ARE.... I Love You so much and I miss You!...Your Brother
Randy your the best brother anyone could have. I know I have a lot of short commings, but You were always good to me. I was always very proud of you and all your accomplishments. You were a very Good and honest Cop. You continued to do so much for so many people and organizations even after retireing. I wish We could have spent more time together and I was 1/2 the man you ARE.... I Love You so much and I miss You!...Your Brother
Randy your the best brother anyone could have. I know I have a lot of short commings, but You were always good to me. I was always very proud of you and all your accomplishments. You were a very Good and honest Cop. You continued to do so much for so many people and organizations even after retireing. I wish We could have spent more time together and I was 1/2 the man you ARE.... I Love You so much and I miss You!...Your Brother
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYWOxuh33dw
Gail & I are deeply sadden to hear about Randy's accident. We met them riding our Harley and Randy was always willing to give safety advise about riding. Our first group ride was with Randy & Cindy with 2 others and we'll never forget him. We love you brother, rest in peace.
Wayne & Gail Chapman
Randy you were loved by us all so much. We will be here to take care of Cindy and Melissa forever, they have our love and support. We will miss you dearly, our thoughts and prayers will be with you. See you in heaven.
Kristin and Matt
Randy was a good friend of ours. Randy and Cindy were a part of our small harley riding group. Just last year the four of us took a motorcycle vacation up the coast of California, to San Francisco, Chico, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Bishop then home. It was the best week long motorcycle vacation we have ever taken. With all of his electronic gadgets we never had a problem finding gas, food or a place to lay our head at night. Randy will truly be missed by so many people and so many lives that he touched.
Life brings tears, smiles and memories: the tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on FOREVER.
Rest in Peace our Brother
Greg and Rhonda
We truly enjoyed riding with Randy and Cindy. Randy was aware of safety issues and always reminded us and set an example of safe riding. Riding with Randy and Cindy in The James Gang, and traveling with them was a real pleasure. We treasure those memories.
See you in the next life Buddy, Our hearts go out to Cindy and Melissa.
Jim and Pat
A life interrupted much to early. We went on a few rides with Randy and Cindy, and Randy freely shared his experience on riding computers etc. A kind person trying to help others.
We will keep him in our memories forever. Our best to his family.
Lena & Jeff
R.I.P. UNCLE RANDY ... YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS! I LOVE YOU!
Randy Phillips was one of the greatest instructors i had in the explorer academy. He taught me many things and he will be missed by south el monte explorers and all explorers who have graduated from the san gabriel law enforcement explorer academy!!!!
Randy was a man of integrity whose personality brightened any situation or circumstance. I am so saddened to hear this. The world has lost a very good man.