HomeMy WebLinkAboutEstablish a Memorial for Officer Nicholas Vella - Submitted 2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, CA
City of Huntington Beach 92fi49
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File #: 22-166 MEETING DATE: 3/1/2022
Submitted by Mayor Pro Tern Posey and Councilmember Carr - Establishing a Memorial for
Officer Nicholas Vella
Ask staff to work collaboratively with the City of Newport Beach to determine all associated logistics
with the development of a memorial for Officer Nicholas Vella at or near the crash site. Furthermore,
staff will inform Officer Vella's family regarding the proposed memorial and seek their input
throughout the process to ensure that it is reflective of his life and his commitment to public safety.
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 2/24/2022
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING —COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MIKE POSEY, MAYOR PRO TEM
KIM CARR, COUNCILMEMBER
DATE: MARCH 1, 2022
SUBJECT: ESTABLISHING A MEMORIAL FOR OFFICER NICHOLAS VELLA
On February 20, 2022, the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) helicopter, HB-1,
crashed into the waters off Newport Beach with two officers on board, resulting in the injury of
one officer and the death of the second officer, Nicholas Vella.
Officer Vella is survived by his wife and daughter, and the City joins his family and fellow
officers in mourning his passing. Officer Vella was a 14-year veteran of the department who
served our community with honor and dignity. His commitment to public safety was
paramount, and it was clear to everyone that he loved serving Huntington Beach. As a pilot,
Officer Vella provided critical information to help our first responders manage on-the-ground
situations effectively and safely. It was with this purpose in mind that Officer Vella responded
to his final call for helicopter support in Newport Beach.
The crash in Newport Beach reminds us of the risk that police officers undertake daily to
protect our residents. As such, we wish to recommend that staff work collaboratively with the
City of Newport Beach to determine all associated logistics to establish a memorial in honor of
Officer Vella at or near the crash site. We have engaged in discussions with Newport Beach
Councilmember Will O'Neill who has expressed support for this endeavor.
Officer Vella is the third HBPD officer who has died in the line of duty. In 2018, the City
honored such officers with street sign dedications: HBPD Officer Leslie James Prince struck by a
vehicle in 1974; HBPD Officer Leo Roy Darst killed in a crash in 1928; and Orange County
Sheriff's Deputy Ezra Stanley struck by a vehicle in 1940. As such, we wholly recommend
continuing this effort with a memorial dedicated to Officer Vella.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Ask staff to work collaboratively with the City of Newport Beach to determine all associated
logistics with the development of a memorial for Officer Nicholas Vella at or near the crash site.
Furthermore, staff will inform Officer Vella's family regarding the proposed memorial and seek
their input throughout the process to ensure that it is reflective of his life and his commitment
to public safety.
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