HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A 29 year old California Highway Patrol officer was struck and killed as he directed traffic early Monday morning on the rain-slick Pomona (60) Freeway in Hacienda Heights.

The officer was identified as Joseph Sanders, 29, who had been with the CHP for 14 months. He left behind a pregnant wife and three children. Officer Sanders was an Iraq war veteran. Sanders served with the U.S. Marine Corps. He survived the dangerous streets of Iraq, only to be killed doing his job on a rain-soaked southern California freeway.

The fatal crash, reported at 4:20 a.m., happened west of Azusa Avenue, said CHP Officer T. Liu. Liu said two vehicles collided and one of them then hit the officer, who was airlifted to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers detained the motorists for questioning, Liu said.

Sanders graduated from the Academy a year ago and was assigned to the Santa Fe Springs office. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said flags will be flown at half-staff at the state Capitol in honor of Sanders. "Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Joseph Sanders, who dedicated his life to ensuring public safety," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "California is a better place because of his service and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Paul M. Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League -- the union representing the department's rank-and-file, said in a statement: "We know that this news must be devastating to the family, colleagues and friends of Officer Joe Sanders, who put his life on the line so residents could be safe and secure on the highways. Our thoughts and prayers are with his CHP community, as well as his family and friends in what must be a very difficult holiday season."