Pilot Inspector Kirk Brookbush, 49, when his helicopter, "Air One", went down in a flat and barren farm field near Interstate 5 in Crows Landing, about 80 miles east of San Francisco and 30 miles southwest of Modesto. Officer James Dougherty, 56, a mechanic was also killed. Both men had been with the force for more than 25 years.

Jim Dougherty began his police career at Taraval Station May 17, 1971 after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, from 1963 to 1967, and after working for two years (1969 - 1971), as an aircraft mechanic for United Airlines.

He was later assigned to the Traffic Accident Investigation Bureau (1977-1980), where his mechanical knowledge was useful in analyzing accident scenes. He served at Park and Ingleside stations, and returned to Taraval Station in April 1996. He served the Omi Community as the Day Watch "6 Car."

Dougherty, quiet and unassuming, his dedication to service in his 28 years with the Department yielded him one Police Commission Commendation, 52 Captain's Commendations, and 41 Citizen Complimentary letters.

The Air Support Unit often utilized his expertise as a certified aircraft mechanic. He was also an accomplished fixed wing pilot.

His three children: Jeffrey, Bridget, and Christopher: and his companion, Sun Kang; and her sons, Chon and Paul Kang, survive the 56-year-old Dougherty.