State Traffic Officer

California Highway Patrol

5/8/1997

Special Act Award (Gold)

State Traffic Officer, Saul Martinez, on May 8, 1997, performed an act of heroism at great risk to his personal safety to protect the life of a fellow officer. This act of courage ultimately cost Officer Martinez his life. While on patrol, Officers Saul Martinez, #1255, and James Rice, #9694, were heading eastbound on Dillon Road, east of Little Morongo Road, in the North Palm Springs area. The officers observed a Chevrolet Camaro, with two occupants, parked on the south edge of the roadway facing in an eastbound direction (wrong side of the road). The officers passed the Chevrolet Camaro and made a u-turn to investigate. Both officers exited their patrol unit and were standing 15 to 20 feet south of the roadway edge. A Toyota Camry, traveling eastbound on Dillon Road, veered to the right towards the officers. Officer Martinez observed the approaching Toyota, alerted Officer Rice and simultaneously pushed Officer Rice from the path of the Toyota. The Toyota struck the Chevrolet Camaro and both officers. The Toyota came to rest with Officer Martinez pinned beneath the vehicle. The driver of the Toyota got out of his vehicle to render assistance. Officer Rice was unable to stand because of his injuries and instructed the Toyota driver to use the CHP radio to call for assistance. The Toyota driver used the CHP radio and contacted the Indio Communications Center. At 1:14 a.m. Sergeant R. Pierce, #7667, arrived at the scene. CHP personnel, in concert with outer law enforcement and fire personnel on scene, lifted the Toyota off Officer Martinez and CPR was administered. Both officers were transported by ambulance to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs. The actions of Officer Martinez ultimately cost him his life and he subsequently passed away on May 16, 1997.