Officer William P. Sniffen

Officer William P. Sniffen was pursuing a speeding motorist on the Nimitz Freeway when the vehicle rear-ended another car that was stopped for a previous collision and then burst into flames.

Sniffen lost control and his motorcycle was thrown under the burning vehicle, killing the 31-year-old patrol officer almost instantly.

Officer Sniffen was a seven-year member of the CHP and had served previously in San Leandro and Oakland. Officer Sniffen is survived by his wife Anna, daughter Kayla son William and brothers Darrell and Doug.