Hollywood Officers Running In Annual 'Baker To Vegas' Relay To Honor One Of Their Own
HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Some Hollywood police officers taking part in this weekend's "Baker to Vegas" race through the desert will be running in honor of Officer Nicholas Lee, who was recently killed in the line of duty.
"We've been preparing for this run for months. As a result, we're gonna use Nick's memory to get us over the top," LAPD Hollywood Division Capt. Cory Palka said.
Lee died March 7 when his cruiser collided with a heavy duty truck in Beverly Hills. He most recently worked as a training officer at the Hollywood Division.
"Nick's 16-year career, he was a selfless servant to the public," Palka said.
KCAL9's Rachel Kim reported that the relay, which goes from Baker, California to Las Vegas, brings thousands together from the law enforcement community.
Officers will wear T-shirts with Lee's badge on the front and his photo on the back.
"He would probably say this is way too much, but I think he would be honored and proud of us," Officer Jesse Rubalcava said. "We're out there for him, for his family and for all our brothers and sisters in law enforcement."
"There's mourning and grieving, then it turns to healing and then resolve. I know Nick would want us to go out and to have a great time," Palka said.
After the race is over, the officers' T-shirts will be sewn together and made into a quilt, which will be presented to Lee's wife.
