SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement regarding the death of High Desert State Prison Correctional Officer Richard Bianchi, who died in the line of duty on Thursday, June 25:
“Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Correctional Officer Richard Bianchi as they mourn the loss of this dedicated officer. He will be remembered as a consummate professional who selflessly carried out his duties to protect the public, and we are grateful for his years of service to the people of California.”
Officer Bianchi, 53, was involved in a single-vehicle crash in the early morning hours of June 25 while on his way to provide custody coverage at a Redding-area hospital. The California Highway Patrol responded to the crash on Highway 44, and found Officer Bianchi’s overturned state vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is being investigated.
Officer Bianchi had served in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2010 and was part of the High Desert State Prison family since 2011. He is survived by his wife and two adult children.
In honor of Officer Bianchi, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
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