Richard “Dick” Duvall (1933–1960): CHP Officer Killed in Line of Duty

Dick Duvall and Grave Marker

Plot 71, Grave 290

Richard “Dick” Duvall (1933–1960) was a California Highway Patrol officer whose tragic death in the line of duty led to lasting changes in law enforcement procedures and posthumous honors in his name.

Born in Oakland, Alameda County, California, in 1933, Duvall was the son of Cecil and Dorothy Jensen Duvall. During his early childhood, the family relocated to San Leandro, where he attended local schools and became a standout football player at San Leandro High School. Following his graduation, Duvall enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving two years before returning to civilian life. He went on to attend Armstrong College of Business in Berkeley, graduating in 1956.

In September 1957, Duvall married Gwenellen “Gwen” Jones. He soon entered the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy and, upon completion of his training, was assigned to the Victorville office. There, he served as a patrol officer for just under two years.

On February 23, 1960, Officer Duvall was fatally shot during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 66 outside Victorville. His final radio message was, “I’m chasing a fast one.” Unbeknownst to Duvall, the motorist he was pursuing, James Kendrick, was an escaped felon in a stolen vehicle, wanted for armed robbery. As Duvall approached the car, the suspect opened fire, killing him instantly. The fugitive was apprehended six days later in Shell Beach, California, after a gunfight with law enforcement. He was convicted of first-degree murder and executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin State Prison on November 3, 1961. Authorities believed he may have had an accomplice, but none was ever located.

Officer Duvall’s death, at age 26, was a pivotal moment for the California Highway Patrol. Commissioner Bard Crittenden subsequently implemented a policy requiring officers to work in pairs during graveyard and parts of the evening shifts—a practice designed to increase officer safety during nighttime patrols.

Duvall was survived by his wife Gwen, who was pregnant at the time of his death, and their daughter Deanne. His son, Richard Jr., was born in July 1960.

In 2010, in recognition of his service and sacrifice, a portion of State Highway Route 15 in Victorville was officially named the" CHP Officer Richard D. Duvall Memorial Highway."

There is a Facebook page that honors his life. 

Sources: California Highway Patrol Memorial Records, San Bernardino County Historical Archives Facebook, Find a Grave, San Bernardino Sun and Los Angeles Times.