Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis tonight issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Sergeant Steve Licon of the Riverside CHP Area.

“Today we mourn the loss of a husband and father of two who lost his life while protecting the State of California. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends and his many California Highway Patrol colleagues for their devastating loss.”

Sergeant Licon died today in an on-duty traffic collision on I-15 in Riverside County.

Sergeant Licon served with the CHP in the Riverside, Baldwin Park and Santa Ana Areas over his distinguished 28-year career.

He is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Marissa and step-daughter Kelly.

In honor of Sergeant Licon, Acting Governor Kounalakis has ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff.