The family of Nicholas Vella, Police Officer, Huntington Beach Police Department, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend Final Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Officer Vella, 44, was killed in a police helicopter crash Feb. 19 off the waters in Newport Beach. He and another pilot were responding to a disturbance call in the contracted city of Newport Beach when the helicopter had a mechanical malfunction and crashed into Newport Bay.
Officer Vella was an 18-year law enforcement veteran with 14 years on the force in Huntington Beach. Prior to joining Huntington Beach's department, he worked as a police officer in Laguna Beach. He left Laguna PD in 2008 to pursue a career as a police helicopter pilot.
In his free time, Nick supported various non-profit organizations and community groups, such as Operation Surf, Baker to Vegas, Adaptive Freedom Foundation, and Huntington Beach Police Officers’ Foundation. Officer Vella had a tremendous impact on not only Huntington Beach, but throughout Southern California and is remembered by all who knew him as a selfless and driven police officer and man. This tragic loss has been felt far and wide.
Nick is survived by his wife and teenage daughter, many other family members and friends and his fellow officers. He will be forever missed by all and never forgotten.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Police Officer.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions. Have mask available if needed.
Time Table for Tuesday, 08 March 2022:0730 - Stage at The Honda Center, 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
https://goo.gl/maps/zbCo1ukn4xeGXs6a60745 - Mission Briefing
0830 - Flag Line as our Hero’s family arrives
0945 - Flag Line as our Hero arrives and is brought into to Honda Center
1115 - For those that would like to stay, there will be Final Honors and helicopter flyover
R/C Tom Barry
SoCalPGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
714-206-1227
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to participate in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum.
