On December 25, 1980 the California Highway Patrol lost one of their officers after a traffic collision. 

Officer Gerald E. Dormaier, 42, died after being struck by a truck while laying flares down on the scene of an overturned propane truck. The truck that hit Officer Dormaier was driving at high speed and killed the patrol officer instantly. 

On Friday, November 17, 2017 at 10 a.m. Bakersfield CHP will be honoring Officer Gerald E. Dormaier with a Memorial Freeway Dedication. The dedication will take place at the Bakersfield CHP Area Office located at 9855 Compagnoni Street, Bakersfield, CA 93313.