Funeral Held For CHP Officer Killed In Line Of Duty

LOS ANGELES - Funeral services are being held in Downey for a CHP officer killed in the line of duty last week.

Dave Romero was killed Friday when his service motorcycle was rear-ended by an allegedly drunken driver.

Romero spent 23 years with the CHP, the last 20 as a motorcycle officer. He is survived by his wife and five children.

The driver who hit him has been charged with murder of a peace officer.

The arraignment for Rudy S. Lopez, also known as Rudy Lopez Saldana, was postponed to Oct. 28 in West Covina Superior Court, and he was ordered to remain jailed without bail.

Lopez, 26, who was on probation for misdemeanor DUI, could face up to life in prison if convicted of the new charges, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Authorities said Lopez was at the wheel of a blue Monte Carlo that hit motorcycle Officer David Romero, a 23-year CHP veteran and father of five, at Turnbull Canyon Road and Valley Boulevard in Industry shortly before 10 a.m. last Friday.

The 47-year-old officer, who was struck from behind, was airlifted to County-USC Medical Center and pronounced dead on arrival, authorities said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered flags flown at half-staff over the state's Capitol last Friday in Romero's honor, while Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ordered the city's flags lowered to half-staff Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Officer Romero's tragic death is a reminder to us all that police officers risk their lives every day," the mayor said. "Officer Romero made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community and it is fitting that we honor his memory."