By Henry Lee
San Francisco Chronicle
CONCORD, Calif. — An off-duty California Highway Patrol sergeant is being hailed for finding $120,000 in the middle of a Concord street and returning the money, which turned out to be a family’s life savings, authorities said.
The sergeant, who didn’t want her name released, was recently driving in her personal vehicle on Concord Boulevard when she had to swerve around two bank deposit bags in the middle of the street, said Officer John Fransen, a CHP spokesman.
She made a U-turn and found the bags with tire markings on them, indicating that other vehicles had run over them.
The sergeant notified Concord police, and officers were able to determine the money’s owner. It turned out to be his family’s life savings, Fransen said.
In a statement, the sergeant said, “It was the right thing to do. I am paid to uphold the law and it’s my job to set the example, whether I’m working or not. I am happy to hear the rightful owner was identified and that the money has been returned.”
Avery Browne, chief of the CHP’s Golden Gate Division, said, “Unfortunately on too many occasions our personnel do not pause to be recognized as they feel they were simply doing their job.”
The sergeant will receive a commendation at a private ceremony, officials said.
Copyright 2014 the San Francisco Chronicle