Nick Vella Memorial Beach Ride

At approximately 6:30pm on Saturday, February 19, 2022, Huntington Beach PD’s helicopter “HB1” was responding to a disturbance call in Newport Beach when it crashed into the waters off the southeast end of Lido Peninsula. The Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and Anaheim Police Department dispatched their helicopters to assist with the rescue effort.

Despite all heroic rescue efforts, Officer Nicholas Vella died of injuries sustained in the crash. A second officer, a 16-year veteran, was transported to a hospital where he was listed in stable condition before being released the following day.

Officer Vella, age 44 and a 14-year veteran of the Huntington Beach PD, is survived by his wife and daughter.

Come help the Huntington Beach Police Department's Mounted Enforcement Unit remember our partner and friend while riding your horse under the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. The ride will begin from the beach parking lot at Tower 19 and proceed to Tower 8 along the sands of Huntington Beach.

This is a very limited opportunity! Only 100 riders will be allowed to participate.

HBPCF is a 501(c)(3) Tax ID 47-1726054.

Price for riders is $500. Price includes trailer parking in the Beach parking lot, one meal ticket, and a T-shirt. BBQ lunch will be held immediately following the ride at The Huntington Beach House located at 21601 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (directly adjacent to ride starting point). Cash bar available on site during lunch.

Professional photographer will be present at the designated photo location near the pier. No outside photographers allowed.

Additional meal tickets available for $50.

Additional t-shirts will be available for $25.

All proceeds will be donated to the Huntington Beach Police and Community Foundation, to assist with travel of HBPD Officers to Washington DC for the induction of fallen Officer Nicholas Vella into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in May of 2023.

This ride is fully permitted through the City of Huntington Beach. All riders will be required to sign a hold harmless agreement with the City of Huntington Beach.

Ride Rules:

All riders must comply with directions from the ride marshals during the event.

Ride marshals will be uniformed mounted police officers.

Ride marshals have the authority to remove any rider/horse deemed unsafe. No refund will be provided.

Riders will not be allowed to dismount during the ride except for emergency purposes.

Mounting blocks will not be provided.

Outside photographers will not be allowed to interfere with the ride movement. Outside photographers will be allowed in the parking area and may stand on the pier to take photographs during the ride.

Riders under 18 must wear a helmet and be accompanied by an adult rider during the ride.

Horses will not be allowed to trot, lope, or cantor during the ride.

No alcohol will be allowed in the beach parking lot or during the ride (Cash bar will be available during lunch).

Have fun and enjoy the scenery!