In Memory of Noreen Vargas
1958-1996
California Highway
Patrol
"On November 8, 1996, at 5:00pm, Officer Noreen A. Vargas, ID 12532,
conducting a felony investigation, was driving east on I-10 (San Bernardino
Freeway). On oncoming big rig lost its trailer's right dual tires, which
bounced across the westbound lanes into the center divider. One of the tires
hit the divider, careened 30 feet into the air and landed on top of Officer
Vargas' vehicle, crushing the roof and killing her instantly.
"Officer Vargas, 37, joined the CHP in 1988 and spent her entire career
in the Baldwin Park Area. After serving as a field training officer, PMA
instructor, weapons instructor, drug recognition expert, protective services
detail, recruitment officer and warrant arrest team member, Noreen had just
recently been assigned to the special duty position of felony investigations
officer.
"Officer Vargas is survived by her 14 year old daughter, Stephanie; parents,
Chris and Nancy Vargas; twin sister, Frances Lewis; and brothers, Christopher
and Mark."
Reprinted from
California
Highway Patrolman Magazine.
| WPOA Presentation
On May 8, 1997 at the awards luncheon in Sacramento, the Women Peace Officers
Association honored Noreen Vargas. The WPOA presented the following proclamation
to Noreen Vargas's parents and division commander. |
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|
Resolution
WOMEN PEACE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION
of
CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, Officer Noreen Vargas, California Highway Patrol, graduated on
February 16, 1989, then assigned to the Baldwin Park Office, March 2, 1989;
and
WHEREAS, Officer Vargas became actively involved in field duties and
administrative functions; and
WHEREAS, Officer Vargas was considered an "Unofficial" leader and earned
the respect from her peers, supervisors and managers alike; and
WHEREAS, Officer Vargas was a "Role Model" for officers to emulate; and
WHEREAS, Officer Vargas was rated as "Exceeds" during her last performance
evaluation for areas of policies/procedures, judgment, professional demeanor,
written communications/investigations and emergency incident management;
and
WHEREAS, She was often utilized as an "Officer-In-Charge," based mainly
on her professional demeanor, ability to communicate, and exceptional knowledge
of policy; and
WHEREAS, Officer Vargas was conducting follow-up interviews as she was
the Area's Felony Investigations Officer, at the time of her death;
RESOLVED BY THE WOMEN PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA, Inc.,
That the members are honored to present to the family of Officer Noreen Vargas
this Resolution commending her work as a Law Enforcement officer for the
State of California
ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE WOMEN PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
OF CALIFORNIA, INC., MAY 8, 1997.
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