Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Kirk Griess:

“Today we mourn the loss of a father of three – Officer Griess – who lost his life while protecting his community. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends and his many California Highway Patrol colleagues for their devastating loss.”

Officer Griess, 46, was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Fairfield earlier today when he was fatally struck by a pick-up truck.

Officer Griess was a 19-year veteran of the CHP, serving in communities throughout the Bay Area during his career. He was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Officer Griess is survived by his wife, Keri; adult daughters, Kadi and Kaci; and son, Kole, 14.

In honor of Officer Griess, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.