By Miriam Raftery
October 16, 2017 (Julian) – A retired La Mesa Police officer, Tom Ruth, was killed Saturday in a motorcycle accident.
According to the California Highway Patrol, he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a parked truck on State Route 79 near Julian.
The La Mesa Police Officers Association has issued a statement offering “thoughts and prayers” for retired Officer Ruth’s wife.
On the group’s Facebook page, several officers shared memories of Ruth.
Ryan Rogers wrote, “My very first beat partner. He was the best person to learn from. Great guy on and off duty. What a tragic loss. My prayers for his family.”