Editor’s note: As part of our 10th anniversary, Behind the Badge is sharing stories from our archives on Tuesdays and Fridays. This story is from March 8, 2022. Nicholas Vella died in the line of duty Feb. 19, 2022. The first noticeable feature was the smile. A smile that “lit up Nick’s whole face,” said John Vella, brother of Huntington Beach Police Officer Nicholas Vella. “Chin to forehead, cheek to cheek, Nick had a smile for the ages.” John Vella was among the family members, friends, and fellow officers who delivered eulogies praising Nicholas Vella during a memorial service for…