The Huntington Beach Police Officer’s Association, in conjunction with the Huntington Beach Police Department, have established an account for monetary donations to support the family of Officer Nicholas Vella. This is the only donation account endorsed by the family of Officer Vella, the Huntington Beach Police Officer’s Association, and the Huntington Beach Police Department.
An 18-year law enforcement veteran, 14 of those years with the Huntington Beach Police Department, 44-year old Officer Vella was tragically killed on Saturday, February 19, 2022, when the Huntington Beach Police helicopter, HB-1, crashed into the waters off Newport Beach. Officer Vella leaves behind a wife and a teenage daughter.