Officer Dana Everett Paladini, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Dana Everett Paladini

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Tuesday, July 4, 1972

Dana Everett Paladini

Officer Paladini was killed when he was accidentally struck by a bullet which ricocheted off of a trailer. He and a local sheriff's deputy stopped to assist at an accident involving a horse trailer. One of the horses was badly injured and the owner asked the officers to shoot it. The deputy fired three rounds, one of which ricocheted off of the trailer and struck Officer Paladini.

Officer Paladini had been with the agency for nine months.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 9 months
Badge 7839

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Accidental)

Most Recent Reflection

View all 20 Reflections

Dana, I never met you except through the memories of our mother, Nellie. I always wanted a brother and was thrilled to find out I had one. And then I was so sad to know I would never meet that brother.

What a random, absurd accident took you from this world. I admire your desire to serve people in California. I will always wish I could have seen you and truly known you.

Sandra (Paladini) Gutcher
Sister of Dana Paladini

August 9, 2018