Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
The interchange dedication ceremony was well attended by family, friends, law enforcement and political leadership.
A ceremony was held for Kern County Sheriff's Deputy Phillip Campas with the unveiling of a memorial sign designating the interchange of Highways 65 and Highway 99 in his honor. It was a touching recognition that brought together family, friends, law enforcement and political leadership, including State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), who organized the event.
Campas died in the line of duty on July 25, 2021, while responding to a 911 dispatch reporting that an armed man, the subject of a restraining order, was at a home near the intersection of 1st Street and Poplar Avenue. Screaming and gunfire could be heard in the background of the call.
Responding deputies encountered a woman fleeing the home, stating that at least two people inside had been shot, and the suspect then fired at deputies and barricaded himself in the house. Deputy Campas, a Kern County Sheriff's Office SWAT team member, was deployed, and a standoff ensued.
Upon approaching the house, the suspect opened fire, striking Campas and another deputy. Both were transported to a local hospital, whereCampas succumbed to his wounds.
The shooter also killed his wife and two sons and died after deputies fired bullets at him.
The dedicated memorial sign was realized by Sen. Grove in the 2022 legislative session introducing and passing Senate Concurrent Resolution 75 to acknowledge Campas for his service to the community.
"It has been an honor to pay tribute to a courageous hero – Deputy Phillip Campas," Senator Grove said. "This memorial interchange will stand as a reminder for all who pass it that an incredibly brave officer made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend others' lives. Deputy Campas' courage and dedication to uphold his oath to serve and protect our community will never be forgotten."
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