Today is the 56th anniversary of the End of Watch for Santa Clara Police Officer William Rickabaugh.
On January 11, 1966, Officer Rickabaugh observed two boys trespassing and riding a motorcycle on what is now San Tomas Expressway, near Monroe Street and Los Padres Boulevard. Officer Rickabaugh rode his motorcycle up a dirt ramp and collided with a metal cable that had been stretched between two posts to designate a construction zone. The cable impacted his chest.
A citizen began CPR on Officer Rickabaugh, who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Rickabaugh was a U.S. Navy veteran and is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery. He survived by his wife and two children.
A Hero Workout is a tribute to a fallen first responder or member of the military who served honorably and died in the line of duty. Members of the Santa Clara Police Department will participate in a Hero Workout to include:
11 rounds of:
- 6 burpee pull-ups
- 6 deadlifts (body weight)
Members of the community are invited to participate in their Hero Workout at their own pace and at a location of their choice.
