Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John,
You and I served together in Iraq in 2004-2005. I came to the unit 2 weeks after completing Basic and AIT and the first time we met was 09/11/2004 in Mather California. Today I sit in an office in Lubbock Texas after finding a video you and I made with C. Co 1/140th AVN RGMT. In this video we make fun of all things military, "WETSU, SNAFU, BOHICO". In this video we pose as if you are yelling at me for screwing up, well because I was only 19 and very wet behind the ears. You were a role model to me and I remember talking about joining the CHP and looking to you to be my mentor through the process. I made it into Law Enforcement and have been an officer since 2006. I am assigned to my departments Major Crash Investigations Unit and I have you to thank for motivating me and encouraging me to achieve, you saw something in me John and I will forever hold you close to my heart.

Officer Christopher King
Lubbock Police Department (Friend)

November 17, 2023

You've sent a beautiful baby girl to Hannah, John. Congratulations Grandpa!

.
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May 5, 2023

John old buddy, was thinking of you today and wanted to share a memory.
I remember one hair raising night 21 yrs ago while riding graveyards with you; we were headed north I-15 south of Mountain Pass. It was snowing and the freeway was icy. In the Southbound I-15 lanes there was a semi that had slid sideways blocking both lanes of traffic. We grabbed our coats and flashlights and ran down the embankment of the center medium to get to the semi on the other side to see what in the world we could do to clear the freeway. As we were approaching the semi, over the hill comes headlights; and they weren't slowing down. We started waving our flashlights trying to get their attention. About 100yds away the car noticed the blacked out semi and slammed on it's brakes (on ice)... How it never slid off the road is a miracle because it made 2 or 3 rotations before coming to a stop about 3 feet from the semi. The car was loaded with 4 young college kids coming back from Las Vegas.
As we were approaching the car we saw headlights coming over the hill again..... This time it was another semi. By the time we got the young, screaming and terrified occupant's to exit the car and run up the embankment to safety the semi was already sliding sideways and headed to sandwich us all.... We all scattered like ants.....
We thought the vehicles would never stop coming over the hill and losing control on the black ice!! At least 15 or 20 total vehicles lost control before the Mountain Pass Officers were able to close all traffic for southbound I-15....
In-betweenn getting Passengers to safety we both had ran for our lives several times that night as well.... Miraculously no one was injured that night.
Through it all, we were slipping, sliding & busting our humps, I remember how you never stopped smiling John.
Miss your company brother.

Pat
Friend

March 22, 2021

John asked me to be a character reference because I was an old retired Arkansas LEO. We talked about the work, the up's and down's, the good and the bad. Working closely with John at the NTC I knew that he was a guy I'd trust my back with and that's how I wrote out my reference for him. The last time I saw John I actually helped him at a traffic collision I witnessed on Ft Irwin Road in 1997. When John pulled up I was inside one of the vehicles involved giving 1st aid to the driver who was pretty messed up and we were both surprised when we locked eyes. I of course gave John a brief breakdown of the events, injuries to everyone and so forth and he went about his business until other responders got there. Once the mess was taken care of we talked on the side of the road, he told me how things were going and we went our separate ways........I never had a chance to see him again. I lost many friends in Arkansas during and after my active police years and your posting has struck a cord and has impacted me in a way I thought could never happen again. Everything happened 16 years ago, I can't believe it. John's smile was infectious and I'm glad he smiled in his photo. I've been riding an emotional curve reserved only for those that I hold closest outside my direct family.

Randy Daily

February 28, 2021

John, I'm happy you smiled in your CHP photo...because that is how I will always remember you. This year I am concluding my 22 year career as a Police Officer in Maryland. I happily remember traveling to California, and hanging out with you (effortless). I smile when I remember doing a ride-along with you, and how you were recruiting me for CHP. Even later sending me photos of you on the BMW as a Motor Officer. I also became a Motor Officer, and I consider you the wings on my flying wheel graduation pin! I have your pictures on my desk, and at my house. I will never forgot you, and I'll state the obvious that your time with us was too short. I just wanted to write this brief remembrance to let your kids know what a wonderful soul their Dad possessed. I'll always be riding with you brother!

Officer 1st Class Scott Shepardson
Frederick Police Department

February 25, 2021

Rest In Peace

Mark Mottola

February 25, 2020

Today marks 14 years I miss you dad!

Hannah bailey
Father

February 25, 2020

We never met, but I had a conversation with a friend about you tonight. You made a difference and touched many lives. Rest easy, brother. We have the watch.

Sergeant
Summit County Sheriff's Office (Ohio)

October 7, 2019

I was the first one on the scene to find him. I used his radio to call for help. One of the scariest nights of my life. I feel for his family and will never forget this memory. Heart broken still.

Angel Dominguez
Witness to accident

May 31, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 25, 2018

I served with Bailey in USANG in Los Alamitos, CA 92-97.
He always had a smile/smirk and an upbeat strut when he walk into the hangar and troop formation. It was a swift kick to the knads when I heard of his death.

RIP Officer Bailey.

LECLEVIA

SPC ECLEVIA
USMS

June 30, 2016

ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET YOUR BROTHER, I HAVE GONE TO MANY MEMORIAL DINNERS AT THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA OFFICE, WHERE I STARTED MY CHP CAREER IN 2009. I CAN NOT IMAGINE WHAT YOUR LOSS FEELS LIKE. I HOPE EACH DAY THAT GOES BY GETS A LITTLE EASIER TO MOVE FORWARD.

RENE ZAMORA
BALDWIN PARK CHP

April 22, 2016

Today has been especially difficult for me. While at work I came across a file with your last birthdate on it, June 17, 2005; I immediately cried. I think of you every day. Most days I think of your smile, antics and our stupid fights and the fact that we loved each other no matter what.

You are my big brother and I miss you terribly. You did so much for your country, fellow citizens and family; it just isn't fair. I wish you could have met my husband and children. My son, reminds me so much of you and he has your name as part of his.

To those leaving a reflection and thinking of John's family, thank you so much. Your kind words and remembrance mean a lot.

I love you Greg (which was his first name and what I always called him).

Your little sister,
Aimee

Aimee Bailey Carr
sister

April 7, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

To the family of Mr. Bailey. I feel so deeply for you and am saddened beyond words for your loss. I drive this freeway every day and have always wondered why it was called "John Bailey Memorial Freeway". Now i know that it's to honor a great man who was taken from you all far, far too soon. I just want to say to you sincerely, thank you for your sacrifice and i appreciate his service to our country.

Specialist Williams
U.S Army

July 8, 2015

Officer Bailey,
On today, the 9th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Iraq. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 25, 2015

Thinking about you today John...You will never be forgotten brother.

Officer Jeff R.
Riverside PD

February 25, 2015

John, miss you my friend. Having coffee off Ramona and the 60 and having lunch at Rocky's pizza. I miss hearing your stories and all the laughs we had while working the beat.

Officer Bob M.
Rancho CHP

June 12, 2014

Dear John
I only knew you for a short period of time but you left a great impression on my life.
Because of you I cherish and enjoy everyday.
I see your memorial on highway 15 and say hello.
You are dearly missed my friend

Michael Aguilar
Friend

May 26, 2014

John- It's approaching 8 years now, and I know I speak for all of your friends in saying that we miss you more than ever. I could never speak for Teresa and the kids; I can't even bear to think how this last near-decade has been for them. But I know that we'll all see you again, and please rest easy in knowing that your memory lives on stronger than ever here in southern California. I'll swing by your spot on the I-15 on the 25th; See you there. Love ya, buddy.

Inspector N.C. Hatfield
DHS

February 22, 2014

So im thinking about you as i go to sleep tonight and how much i miss you,you were always my hero and you still are daddy i really miss you i see all these kids talking about how they hate there parents and im thankful that i still have one who cares about me all the kids miss you and i know mom does too we think about you every day and you are still in our hearts. <3

Hannah
Daughter

September 29, 2013

Mising your friendship and hoping every blessing protects your family.

Scott Mehlhaff
Friend

April 9, 2013

john you where the best uncle there was, sorry i couldnt leave iraq to see u. u helped me make me the man i am today and im so proud you where my uncle.

cpl walker
usmc, nephew of john

March 24, 2013

Thank you for your service to our community, city, highways, state, and country. Thanks to the naming of the highway. Your death was not in vain.

California driver,
highway driver

August 16, 2012

Always on my mind...Forever in my heart...

Loving Wife, Teresa

February 25, 2012