A state Fish and Game Department warden, Roy “John” Reed, was killed when his pickup truck overturned in a muddy cotton field west of Bakersfield while pursuing a small car.
Lt. Reed, 57, was a warden for 28 years, 26 of them in Kern County and talked about retiring in October. Reed began a 34-year career a protector of our natural resources and heritage, as a state Fish and Game Hatchery Assistant. He spent six years in this assignment and in 1956 he became a warden. His first assignment was as a Boarding Officer on a patrol boat in the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta. In 1958 he transferred to Taft and in 1961 he was assigned to Bakersfield.
This began a long and close working relationship with the Kern County Sheriff’s department. Through this association, Reed also became a member of the Sheriff’s Aero Squadron, giving his expert knowledge of the mountains and back roads, during downed aircraft searches.
The accident occurred on a dirt road south of Stockdale Highway and 1 ½ miles west of Buena Vista Road, in an area another warden described as a favorite of dove poachers. Officials were told of the chase by Charles Durham, 65, a relative of Reed’s who also was riding in the pickup. Durham was able to walk down the road and signal a city water truck. Durham said the warden had pulled up behind a parked bllue or tan car on the levee near the Kern River. The car was driven away, and Reed pursued the vehicle at speeds between 50 and 60 miles per hour.
When the pickup hit a large puddle, Reed apparently lost control of the truck, the vehicle swerved into the field and rolled. It landed on its wheels and sank into the soft earth. Reed was thrown out and landed face down in the muddy water.
His wife, Shirley Jean, and three children survive Lt. Reed. Their son, Walter, recently took the warden examination and is on the list of eligibles.
Reflections from Friends & Family
This page was just brought to my attention by a fellow officer. As I have spoke to you in the past I don’t think of you at memorials or your graveside, I think and receive guidance from you as I travel the remote hills of Kern County. If I would have only known the education you bestilled upon me all the weekends on the Tejon Ranch and up and down the mighty Kern River as a small boy. To think at the time all I thought was I was there to open and close gates! I have spent the last twenty years at the Sheriffs Department the same place I last spoke to you the day you were called home. I have done my best to honor you and can only hope I am half as respected in my professional and personal life as are.
You would be happy to know that I have carried on your name and family tradition with a wonderful son named after you and a daughter named Sarah. I married that Summers girl you warned me about and am still married today. Mom and the girls are doing fine. Thanks Dad, I hope I have done you proud.
Sergeant Walt Reed
Kern County Sheriffs Department / Son
March 26, 2007
Though it has been over twenty years ago, you are not forgotten. I had the honor of working a few investigations with you and now working in a specialized unit with your son, Sergeant Walt Reed. You can proudly patrol the mountains in Heaven knowing your son is doing the same on earth. He has done you proud and I know he had the guidance of you. Your son is not only a co-worker but a true family man, close friend and quite the duck hunter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family daily. May God Bless You, 10-7 in Heaven.
Senior Deputy Eric R. Fennell
Kern County Sheriff’s Department
March 24, 2007
Jack:
We had many good times together on patrol and I miss you. Your son went on to become a damn good deputy with Kern County S.O. and did you proud.
Rest in peace my friend.
Patrol Agent in Charge Ted L. Bader
United States Border Patrol
November 28, 2005