Treasured Public Servant Killed In Lafayette Crash

He worked as a public information officer for another city here in the East Bay.

By Bea Karnes, Patch Staff | Aug 3, 2018 2:35 pm ET | Updated Aug 3, 2018 8:54 pm ET

LAMORINDA, CA — A bicyclist who was killed Thursday in a collision with a big rig truck in Lamorinda has been identified as 54-year-old Martin Nelis of Pleasant Hill. Nelis died at about 12:30 p.m. in the hit-and-run accident on Reliez Valley Road between Gloria Terrace and Withers Avenue in Lafayette.

Nelis had worked as the public information officer for the city of Pleasant Hill since 2007. He played a leading role in organizing several community events, according to a city statement on his death, including the
summer concert series, Community Service Day, Off the Grid food truck events and programs with the library and local schools.

"Martin was often the first to volunteer for any civic event or meeting, and the last to leave and turn off the lights," the city statement said.

"This is a huge loss for the city," said Mayor Tim Flaherty. "Martin was the quintessential dedicated public servant, and a wonderful member of the community."

Police have interviewed the driver and impounded the truck. They continue to investigate the fatal collision.

"Our thoughts are with Mr. Nelis' family and the staff and citizens of the city of Pleasant Hill," Lafayette Mayor Don Tatzin said in a statement.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information that would help the investigation is asked to call the Lafayette Police Department at 925-283-3680.

Bay City News contributed to this report; Image via Shutterstock.com

Lafayette Hires Chief Christensen

The Hit & Run attempted murder investigation from 2011 vanishes

By

Justin Berton

Updated

11:16 pm PDT, Tuesday, September 3, 2013

City Manager Steven Falk picks the city's replacement for outgoing police chief Mike Hubbard. By J.D. O'Connor, Patch Staff | Mar 16, 2012 4:23 am ET | Updated Mar 16, 2012 4:25 am ET

Lafayette City Manager Steven Falk Thursday announced that Contra Costa County Sheriff's Lieutenant Eric Christensen will replace retiring chief Mike Hubbard, who leaves at the end of this month.

In his announcement, Falk made note of Christensen's qualifications, which include the fact that he:

Holds a BS in Criminal Justice Administration from Cal State Hayward

Spent three years in the U.S. Army, and six in the Army Reserve

Joined the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office in 1991, and has twenty years of local law enforcement experience including:

Patrol deputy and detective for the San Ramon Police Department
Supervising sergeant for the Oakley Police Department
Managed the Sheriff's Department Emergency Services Support Unit for three years
Served at the rank of Lieutenant for five years.

During his career, Lt. Christensen has won several Sheriff's Office awards, including the:

Custody Services Officer of the Year (1997)

Patrol Division Deputy of the Year (1999)

"With his extensive background in local law enforcement in suburban communities, Lt. Christensen is well-qualified to serve Lafayette," Falk wrote. "Given our potential for catastrophic wildland fires, mudslides, earthquakes, and
flooding, Christensen's experience in the Emergency Services Support Unit should be valuable to the community."

Lt. Christensen will succeed Lt. Michael Hubbard, effective March 29.

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