California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Adams, 24, was killed in a head-on collision near Piercy, Calif., on Tuesday, February 15, 2011. Photo courtesy of the CHP.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – A California Highway Patrol officer died Tuesday in Mendocino County following a head-on collision.

Officer Thomas Adams, 24, sustained fatal injuries following a head-on collision shortly before 2:30 p.m. on US-101, just south of Piercy, the CHP reported.

Adams is the sixth CHP officer to die in the line of duty since last May, according to CHP records.

On Tuesday, Gov. Jerry Brown honored the young officer.

“Anne and I join all Californians in offering our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Thomas Adams,” Brown said.

“Thomas spent the last two years as a Highway Patrol officer keeping Californians safe from the Bay Area to the Northern Coast,” Brown said. “His courage, service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with those grieving this tragic loss.”

Adams is survived by his parents, Bruce and Karen.

In honor of Officer Adams, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff, the governor's office reported.

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