California Motorcycle Officer Killed in Crash

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. --

A motorcycle officer described as an outgoing, smiley guy died Wednesday after he was hit along a Rancho Cordova road.

Sacramento County Deputy Lawrence Canfield, 43, was taken to Mercy San Juan Hospital after he was hit at Sierra Madre Court and Coloma Road at about 1:55 p.m.

The 79-year-old driver who hit the officer was detained. At a news conference later in the day, Sheriff John McGinness said it appears Canfield was trying to stop a speeder when another driver made a left turn in front of him.

McGinness told KCRA 3 that it does not appear there was criminal intention involved, and that the driver tried to help Canfield.

The sheriff described Canfield, a 13-year veteran of the department, as "a very, very outgoing, personable, happy sort of guy."

"He absolutely loved what he did," McGinness said. "We know this job is not without its risks."

Canfield, who served in the U.S. Army, had been assigned to the Rancho Cordova Police Department since 2004.

He leaves behind his wife and two children, both of whom are under 10 years old.

"It goes like waves through the department, and I'll tell you, through the whole law enforcement community," McGinness said of the deputy's death.

A witness called 911 and reported that an officer had been hit. Sgt. Tim Curran said that several motorists stopped to aid the officer until emergency officials arrived at the scene.

About three years ago, a similar wreck involving a Sacramento County officer happened just 50 feet from Wednesday's crash scene.

In that crash, Deputy William Woodel was seriously injured when a driver collided with him on Coloma Road.

Like Canfield, Woodel was a sheriff's deputy working as a Rancho Cordova motorcycle officer. He spent two months recovering in the hospital.

According to the sheriff, there was a period of time when a significant number of motor vehicle-pedestrian fatalities occurred on the road.

McGinness said it "probably would make sense to have an engineering study done on that stretch of roadway."

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Funeral Arrangements

The Memorial Service for Deputy Canfield will be held Thursday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elk Grove, 8939 E Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove, Calif.

A procession will follow to the Galt Arno Cemetery, Galt Arno Cemetery, 14180 Joy Drive, Galt, Calif.

There will be a law enforcement reception held after graveside services at the Littleton Community Center, Littleton Community Center, 410 Civic Drive, Galt, Calif.