Fallbrook's John Buehman honored by CHP

FALLBROOK – Local resident John Buehman was honored as the Senior CHP Patrol Officer of the Year recently by the Oceanside California Highway Patrol office. He was cited for his diligence and professionalism.

Buehman taught for 33 years at Fallbrook High School, was a Boy Scout leader, continues to coach soccer, and is an avid recreational pilot.

The CHP sited many highlights of his senior volunteering since he joined in 2007 at the urging of his friend and senior CHP volunteer Jim McBride. John assists in the training and mentoring of incoming volunteers and has received letters of commendation for helping with the 2007 Rice Fire evacuation, working at intersections for the AMGEN Bike Race, the Fallbrook Avocado Festival, and the Fallbrook Christmas parades.

He has logged over 3,080 hours of service. Along with his volunteer patrol partners, he has found two stolen vehicles while on duty, and recognized a hit and run DUI fugitive, alerting CHP officers to the suspect’s location, which led to an arrest. John also handles the task of scheduling all the senior volunteers when they are available, to work every day except Sundays, and has the trust and confidence of his peers.