Sam Helwer

Sam Helwer, the son of German-Russian immigrants, began his life on a small dairy farm in Russell, Kansas. In 1936 he began his career with the California Division of Highways as an Engineering Aide. By the 1940's he was Project Engineer for the world's first four-level freeway interchange in Los Angeles and became nationally recognized as the state expert on freeway interchange design. Although he was eventually promoted to Deputy State Highway Engineer, he is best remembered for his leadership as District Engineer in Eureka when the North Coast was ravaged by a record 1000-year flood during Christmas week of 1964. His dedication, compassion, and resourcefulness contributed significantly to reducing loss of life and suffering.

California · United States