Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Nick Vella was a helicopter pilot who served for 14 years with the Huntington Beach Police department. He loved his family and was a kind and loyal colleague and friend.

However, he lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash. He was performing his duty with honor and courage. He flew his helicopter with precision and skill, providing aerial support and assistance to his fellow officers.

We will always remember and honor him for his service and sacrifice. He will always be in our hearts and prayers. He will always be our guardian angel.

Civilian Lynda Prince Rudesill
Huntington Beach Police Department

May 18, 2023

Rest in Peace Brother … Rest in Peace

Terry Macias May
Cleveland Police Retired

March 2, 2023

Rest In Peace Hero.!!
Thank you for your service.
Sending my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. My sincere sympathy to your friends and family.

Enid Rodríguez

May 8, 2022

Officer Vella,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain

Pittsburgh PD

March 20, 2022

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

March 18, 2022

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Vella. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Huntington Beach Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

March 14, 2022

Sending my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. My sincere sympathy to your friends and family.
Rest In Peace.!

Enid Rodríguez

March 12, 2022

So sad to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers, and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

March 7, 2022

My brother Nick you will be missed but never forgotten. I still can’t believe your gone. Seems like yesterday we worked the beaches of Laguna and you a groomsman in my wedding. You loved to fly, loved Kristi and adored your daughter. Rest easy my friend we’ve got it from here.

Detective Gavin Hudson
Irvine Police Department CA

March 3, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5: 9. Prayers to his family, fellow officers and friends! RIP and thank you for your service.

Former Correctional Officer G. Reed
Iowa Departament of Correction

March 1, 2022

So very, very sorry. Thank you, Police Officer Nicholas Vella, for your service.

My prayers of love and comfort to your wife and daughter, especially; and to your family, friends, the Department and community. Thank you for your service.

May God rest you now and reward you in His Kingdom.
Thank you.

Kim

Kim Durham
Christina Giannone - Police Officer City of Davis

February 28, 2022

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Captain E.Kemmer
Nevada Department of Public Safety

February 28, 2022

So sad. RIP

Christi L
Law enforcement supporter

February 28, 2022

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

February 28, 2022

My Uncle was a SEAL and died in a helicopter crash, so these hit very close to home for me. I worry for our officers who fly. My current agency does not have its own AIR but my old agency did. Every time I hear on any channel or over my own neighborhood them I give a silent wish to the world that the land safely. Watch over your brothers and sisters, never miss a moment to tell them you love them.

J.R. Dispatcher PD/FD Roseville CA
Formerly of Sac PD (my heart is still with you)

February 27, 2022

Rest In Peace Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

February 27, 2022

Rest in Peace Officer Vella. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, coworkers and friends.

Lieutenant Robert T. Mote (ret)
Buena Park, CA Police Department

February 27, 2022

My husband was killed in a helicopter accident in the Indiana National guard. I completely understand the heart break. It was 10 days after our 25th anniversary and 25 years ago this year. The q9th , when you were killed, would have been our 50th anniversary. Bless you and your family and friends.

Officer's mom Josephine Miller

February 27, 2022

Rest In Peace Officer Vella, my sincere condolences to your family and to your department. God speed as you now patrol the streets of gold. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Fair winds and following seas as we take the watch.

TERRY F ZECH OFC RET
Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department Detroit Michigan

February 26, 2022

Officer Vella, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May God immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

February 26, 2022

This LODD breaks my heart and brings back memories of another crash-though not fatal-that happened at HBPD when I was a Police Explorer as a teenager. That officer survived the helicopter crash after getting tangled in high wires at night and served the rest of his career in a wheelchair, serving at the front desk as a Reserve officer, if I remember correctly. He was a positive influence on me as a youngster. I am heartbroken officer Vella did not survive, but he clearly was courageous and dedicated in his responding to help neighboring peace officers. He is a member of an honor-bound legacy.

Scott Conner, Reserve Deputy
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

February 26, 2022

may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face

Chief Jim Allen (retired)
Mobile County Child Support

February 26, 2022

R.I.P. sir. My condolences to your family, colleagues, and friends.

Deputy Christopher Land
Macomb County Sheriff's Office, MI

February 26, 2022

My deepest condolences to the family of Officer Nicholas Vella. May his soul forever rest in peace in Heaven.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

February 25, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC)
New York Field Office
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 25, 2022