CHP CRASH TEAM EXPERT AT PUTTING PIECES TOGETHER.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

Pete Mader read the letter a couple of times. The gloom that came over the California Highway Patrol captain had been soothed a bit by the encouraging words about the work officers performed.

``On behalf of my aunt (who died in a crash on the Golden State Freeway in Santa Clarita), I thank you for the kind and attentive consideration you and your department displayed reporting and following up her death,'' read the letter from a Reno, Nev., man.

``The accident report (your officers) forwarded was astonishing to me in its detail. But, from your report, and the autopsy, at least we know that her death was instantaneous and she did not suffer. That will be comfort enough.''

Mader said the gratitude should be directed to the Newhall CHP station's new Major Incident Response Team, formed three months ago.

``This team is a group of officers who have specialized training in several aspects of accident reporting and follow-up,'' Mader said. ``Because of this team we are more successful in getting convictions in freeway tragedies.''

Headed by Sgts. Mike Nemback and Larry Wilson, the unit is split into two teams of officers. When a major crash occurs, one of the teams responds instantly and takes over the investigation.

``It could be in the middle of the night, (but) it is their case,'' Mader said.

The program is modeled after a similar one, commanded by Mader, in the west San Fernando Valley. The captain said a rash of multivehicle crashes in the Newhall Pass area earlier this year was the catalyst in forming the new team.

``It had become very hard to figure out who hit what and when,'' Mader said. ``Yes, we were able to piece things together with statements and evidence, but with the team we are able to do it in a much better fashion.''

When a crash occurs, a field supervisor will call a team sergeant, who will gather a squad and head to the scene.

``With the expertise that this team possesses, we are able to put together a comprehensive report for the District Attorney's Office and explain in detail to families what happened,'' Mader said.

In an area where the Golden State Freeway represents the only major route out of the Santa Clarita Valley and construction on the neighboring Antelope Valley Freeway is continuing, crashes have become frequent, and Mader said the need for such a qualified team of investigators has continued to grow.