Officer Noreen Allison Vargas, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Noreen Allison Vargas

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Friday, November 8, 1996

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Noreen Allison Vargas

Officer Noreen Vargas was killed when a tire from a tractor-trailer struck her vehicle.

Officer Vargas was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 just west of Vincent Ave, in the city of West Covina, en route to follow up on a felony case. The rear tires of the tractor-trailer dislodged from the truck's axle and flew across multiple lanes of traffic, and struck her vehicle, which was traveling in the opposite direction. The force of the impact crushed the roof of her vehicle, and Officer Vargas was killed instantly.

She is the first female officer of the California Highway Patrol to be killed in the line of duty.

Officer Vargas had served with the California Highway Patrol for eight years. She is survived by her 14-year-old daughter, parents, two brothers, and twin sister.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 8 years
Badge 12532

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

routine driving

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Most Recent Reflection

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I went into the academy about a month before this tragic event occurred. It was one of the "red flags" that I learned as a recruit to look out for for, even to this day. So, her death, in effect, saved several lives in law enforcement later on. RIP. You will always be remembered.

Deputy Sheriff (ret) Los Angeles
County Sheriff

November 8, 2025