37 Years Later, Fallen Placer County Deputy Honored With Stretch Of Highway 49

AUBURN (CBS13) — A Placer County Sheriff's deputy who was slain more than 30 years ago was honored on Thursday with a stretch of Highway 49 dedicated to his memory.

Vivid memories still haunt Nancy Bernhardt and her family. Her husband, James Machado ,was murdered in the line of duty 37 years ago this month.

"The hardest thing I had to do during this time is learn to forgive," she said. "Life does continue. Sometimes its hard."

A stretch of Highway 49 and Elm Avenue was dedicated in Machado's name.

"This dedication means a closure. A healing for myself and for the kids," Bernhardt said.

Machado was shot and killed with his own gun during an altercation with an escaped mentally ill patient on July 13, 1978. Nearly four decades later, the emotional wounds are still fresh.

Many of the officers at Thursday's dedication weren't even born when Machado was murdered, but they don't have to look back far to understand the sorrow and grief of losing one of their own.

In October, Placer County Det. Michael Davis Jr. was shot and killed during a vicious crime spree that spanned two counties and also claimed the life of Sacramento County Sheriff's deputy Danny Oliver.

Thursday was bittersweet for Nancy and the Placer County sheriff's family. She hopes those who travel on Highway 49 will remember not just her husband, but all those called to protect and serve.

"We always wanted Jim's memory to be realized to remind people these guys are on the road 24 hours a day putting their lives on the line," she said.

The sign was paid for by the Placer County Deputy Sheriff's Association and several local foundations.