On February 25, 2006, while conducting a traffic stop on I-15, California Highway Patrol motorcycle Officer Gregory "John" Bailey was struck and killed by a DUI driver.  Officer Bailey was a genuine American Hero, who left behind the love of his life, his amazing wife Teresa, and four young children, Hannah (age 10), Megan (age 8), Jared (age 6) and Dylan (age 5).

Prior to his CHP Academy training and service, which began in late 1995, Officer Bailey served in the United States Army.  He also served with the California National Guard, and, right before he gave his life protecting all of us here at home, he had returned from a 14-month deployment in Iraq.  The moment word of Officer Bailey's death reached Foundation staff, an immediate Death Benefit check was prepared and presented to Teresa Bailey and the Bailey children.  As testament to the extraordinary generosity of our donors, follow-up financial contributions have continued to flow directly to the Bailey family on a regular basis since that time.  As they grow older and the time comes, significant Scholarship funds will be available to assist all four of Officer Bailey's children as they move forward to attend the colleges and universities each chooses.

Earlier this year, a member of our staff met with Teresa Bailey to assure that the Bailey family's financial needs were being met.  Teresa took that opportunity to express her deep gratitude to our donors and the members of the Foundation's Board of Directors.  In response to our admiration of her remarkable strength in the face of such a profound and crushing loss, Teresa noted that if not for the CHP 11-99 Foundation, "I would not be as strong.  John knew that if something were to happen to him, the children and I would be cared for--that knowledge allowed him to go out on patrol each and every day and do what he did to protect all Californians.  John loved his country, he loved his job and he dearly loved his family."

Teresa asked that we do our best to convey her heart-felt gratitude to all of our donors for the immediate and follow-up financial support that the 11-99 Foundation has been privileged to provide.  With tears welling in her eyes, but in a steady and strong voice, she noted, "I have great peace in my heart knowing that people care, not only about John's service and ultimate sacrifice, but about Hannah's, Megan's, Jared's, Dylan's and my welfare--today and into the future."