Since I was sworn as a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff in 1983, the tally of department members killed in the line of duty has reached 37.
Many of them were acquaintances, some were friends. As a homicide detective, I’ve investigated the deaths of others. This is a reminder of their sacrifices.
Sergeant George Lynn Arthur
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch June 1, 1985
Sergeant Arthur was shot and killed while leaving his assignment at the Men’s Central Jail the night of June 1, 1985. His killer had lain in wait inside George’s van and gunned him down a short distance from the jail.
George had worked Firestone patrol and gangs, during which time he survived a deadly attack that left his skull caved in, his partner wounded by gunfire, and two suspects dead.
At the time of his death, I had been a deputy sheriff for two years, and Sgt. Arthur was one of my supervisors. His case remained unsolved for nearly two decades. When I promoted to Homicide twelve years later, my first partner at the bureau was actively investigating his death as a cold case homicide in conjunction with LAPD.
The case was later solved by LASD Homicide Detectives Mike Bumcrot and Sean McCarthy. George had been murdered by a fellow deputy.
Deputy Nelson Henry Yamamoto
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Tuesday, March 31, 1992
Deputy Yamamoto was shot and killed as a trainee at Firestone Station. I worked station detectives by then, but still, in Firestone tradition, I volunteered my time to haze trainees as much as possible.
I will never forget Nelson’s ever-present smile during such times. He loved being a deputy sheriff and he was a great one. He fought for his life for two days after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. He passed away surrounded by Firestone and Lynwood deputies who for two days lined the hallway outside of his room around the clock.
Deputy Stephen Wayne Blair
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Friday, May 12, 1995
Deputy Blair was shot and killed while stepping out of his patrol car to contact two known gang members. The shooter was later arrested and charged with murdering a peace officer; he was convicted and sentenced to death. Steve worked at Lynwood during the time I worked the neighboring district at Firestone Station. He was survived by a wife and three young sons, one of whom has followed in his footsteps and is a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff.
Deputy Michael Hoenig
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, October 30, 1997
Deputy Hoenig was shot and killed as he attempted to stop and question a bicyclist shortly after one o’clock in the morning. The suspect began shooting before he was able to exit his car, striking Mike multiple times. I had worked with him at Century Station, and have a fond memory of him writing a favorable traffic report when my partner and I dinged up our detective car chasing a man with a gun. Mike was killed shortly after I had promoted to Homicide. I assisted with the investigation of his death and attended his autopsy.
Deputy Hagop “Jake” Kuredjian
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Friday, August 31, 2001
Jake was shot and killed while assisting federal agents who were serving a warrant in Santa Clarita.
I assisted in the investigation of his death, interviewing LASD SWAT team members (who were former Firestone colleagues) involved in the final shootout with the suspect. I also had the displeasure of interviewing federal agents who were responsible for the poorly planned operation that allowed the suspect to become a barricaded active shooter.
Deputy David March
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Monday, April 29, 2002
Deputy David March was working patrol when he was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop in the city of Irwindale. I assisted in the investigation of his death.
Deputy David Alan Powell
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Saturday, November 30, 2002
David was killed by gunfire responding to a call of shots fired in the city of Artesia.
David had briefly worked Firestone back in the eighties, and later spent his time at Lakewood station.
Deputy Stephen Sorensen
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Saturday, August 2, 2003
Steve was shot and killed investigating a trespassing complaint in the remote high desert area east of Palmdale.
I assisted in the investigation of his death and was one of the first on scene a week later when the killer was spotted at a residence in the desert. After hours of failed negotiations with the killer, and as darkness neared, tear gas was introduced into his hideout. The suspect chose to make this his last stand. His hideout became engulfed in flames during an intense shootout, and as they say, the rest is history.
Deputy Richard Allen Bruce
End of Watch Wednesday, June 2, 2004
Richard, a former United States Navy SEAL, worked as a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff at Firestone and Century Stations from 1992 until 2001 when he left the department to become a hunting and fishing guide in Alaska.
Not long after the events of September 11, 2001, Richard put his warrior skills to use joining Blackwater, USA. He deployed to Iraq as a civilian contractor February 11, 2004, and was killed just four months later during a high-risk operation. Richard was a martial artist, a boxing coach, a husband, a father, and a friend and partner to many.
Deputy James Tutino
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Jim was killed, along with ten civilians, during his commute to work when a man intentionally derailed the commuter train on which he was riding. Our paths often crossed during my career, as he had worked as a gang investigator at Men’s Central Jail.
Deputy Jerry Ortiz
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Friday, June 24, 2005
Deputy Ortiz was shot and killed while working as a gang detective, investigating a shooting. The suspect ambushed Jerry as he spoke to a woman at the door of the suspect’s home.
Jerry was known as a great street cop who for many years had been assigned to the gang enforcement team. He was also known for his boxing skills, having competed for years on the department’s boxing team. Most of my encounters with Jerry over the years were incidental to our work on the department, but like many or most, I felt I knew him.
Sergeant Steven C. Owen
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Steve was shot and killed responding to a burglary call in Lancaster. A 29-year veteran, he was loved by all who knew him.
I had only met him on a few occasions, but as was the case with Jerry Ortiz, if you met him, you felt you knew him.
I also pay tribute to my friends, partners, and colleagues who were taken before their time. Though not considered “duty-related,” their sacrifices are nonetheless reverently remembered:
Mike Andrews, Tony Argott, Dave Bauchop, John Corina, Denny Curran, Dan Cusiter, Mark Divis, Gerald Edwards, Art Escamillas, Don Garcia, Neal “Dan” Gayhart, Ricky Graves, Rick Greene, Joe Guzman, Jim Harrell, Duane Harris, Tommy Harris, Charles “Sid” Heal, Kenny Indeck, Todd Landers, Dickie Madden, Bobby Mallon, Paul Mondry, Carlos Ponce, Bobby Reed, Stu Reed, Dennis Robbins, Galen “Ike” Sabean, Billy Sanders, Steve Spackman, Mike Staley, Jerry Taylor, Rob Thacker, Cliff Voyer, Warren Wadkins, Rich Wilabee, Denny Wilson, Jackie Yarbrough
May they all rest in peace.
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I would like to thank the Officer Down Memorial Page for the contribution of the photographs and some of the details of these deaths.
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Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will share it with your family and friends.
Thank you Sir. I always enjoyed hearing stories of how things used to be (on the department). I would often send him a pic of a food place or a land mark location in the area of what was once part of the Firestone Station RD. Soon after he would call or text back with a memory of the location or a story. I wish he would have spoke more about his experience in Vietnam, but like most who spent time there, he didn’t. Sorry for the late response, I am not on here often. Merry Christmas Sir.
darrel
Understood, Darrel. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and family as well, Darrel.
Danny, Thank you for posting A TRIBUTE TO FALLEN COLLEAGUES. A tear always comes to my eyes when ever I read about the loss of one of our brothers or sisters in law enforcement. I believe it takes a special person to put on the uniform and go out and protect people they don’t know and a lot of people who don’t care abouit them. We all have lost friends and love ones to this job and I’m sorry to say that will continue. Their sarafices will never be forgotten and I pray our Lord protects all LEO’s.
Amen. Thank you, Kay.
Danny, Thank you for posting A TRIBUTE TO FALLEN COLLEAGUES. A tear always comes to my eyes when ever I read about the loss of one of our brothers or sisters in law enforcement. I believe it takes a special person to put on the uniform and go out and protect people they don’t know and a lot of people who don’t care abouit them. We all have lost friends and love ones to this job and I’m sorry to say that will continue. There sarafices will never be forgotten and I pray our Lord protects all LEO’s.
Thank you, Kay. Well said.
Frank Siller, founder of the great charity organization called Tunnels To Towers, made a profound comment today. I find it apropos of your posting. He said that (I’m paraphrasing here) while the death of the many who merely showed up to work on that infamous day 20 years ago was a terrible and evil tragedy, the police and firefighters risked, and even sacrificed, their lives helping others the day of the awful attack on our nation. Like the saying goes, all gave some, and some gave all.
Thanks, Sonny. That is one of the charities we give to. Yes, the first responders ran against the tide, toward the trouble, just as you and I and most of our colleagues have.
So many fine people, all gone too soon. I’d also like to add Deputy Jack Miller, EOW 1987.
Thank you for adding Jack. I didn’t know him personally, but of course I’m familiar with that awful day.
Danny,
Thank you for honoring these brave men from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten. May I please add two men with whom I served with at Compton PD, Kevin Michael Burrell and James Wayne Mac Donald, who were both killed near Rosecrans Avenue and Dwight Avenue in the city of Compton on February 22, 1993.
Thank you.
First, thank you for your service. What a wonderful tribute you have posted and may they all rest in peace as their reward. God bless you and all who serve. Marie
great job Danny….like many others knew too many
Thank you.
Thank you for this memorial message. I knew too many of these men and worked with or around almost all of them. George Arthur was a classmate, Roy Chester worked for me at Industry, Steve Owen worked my shift at Lynwood and there are many more; to many to recall. My career started with the off duty murder of another Academy classmate, Dave Andrews, Another FPK deputy. Like Tony Argot mentioned, there were more than 70 killed during my tenure on the Department. Some of the worst for me were Wally Hannon (my radio car partner at Carson) and Larell Smith (my Team Leader at SEB).
May they all rest in peace.
Thank you, sir.
Than you for taking the time and effort to post this, Danny. You’re a class act.
Thank you, Sonny!
I knew retired deputy and former LASD SEB officer Dan Cusiter through a related job he had years after his LE. I was surprised to see his name here, as I wasn’t aware of his passing. I’ll miss the engaging conversations we shared many times over lunch. Wishing the best for his family.
He was a great man and many were saddened and shocked by his passing. Thank you, Eric. God bless.
Thank you Sir.
Thank you!
Thank you Sir.
Darrel, I remember the day I first met Dan up in NorCal. A large white van (his) parked at our airport facility caught my eye due to the personalized license plate (tip of his Vietnam service location). After a closer inspection, I’d already concluded the owner was a firearm’s instructor (gear bags, training rounds visible, etc). I soon met after he was being given a tour of the facility. Over his time of employment I would meet up once in awhile for lunch. By coincidence I’d taken a class from a local (Santa Clara PD) LEO and friend of his. I truly wish I’d been able to share more time with him, as I enjoyed listening to his experiences. I liked his frankness too, he never sugar coated anything 😉
Thanks for the Tribute Danny.
I worked for George Arthur that night.
I am glad the pieces were put together later and by one of our classmates.
Thank you, Tommy.
Dan, thanks for putting this together. I always knew you were good for something other than combing your mustache… It will always cause me pain to remember how my last trainee at FPK died long before his time (Scott Wolf). I feel guilty to this day that I wasn’t around to drag his butt to the hospital before his situation became critical. I also have felt guilty for years for not being 10-8 at the time of Yamamoto’s death, feeling that if I had been there I could have somehow influenced the outcome of that incident in a much more positive way. Such is life and the lack of being able to determine the future. And yes, eventually I will read all your books, I promise.
I share your feelings, partner. You and I had a damn good run though, and I’d do it all over again if given the chance.
So would I Dan, without a moment of hesitation.
Beautifully written.
Thanks for including the LEOs that we lost while off duty, as well.
Thank you, Valerie.
SO MANY FRIENDS, ACQUAINTANCES, BEST BUDDIES, LEGENDS, HEROS AND FELLOWS……I TEAR UP EVERY YEAR AT THIS…stay well my friend….
“If, after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl.” …….….― H.L. Mencken
Thanks, Bob.
you are one of my favorites. I talk story about you still!!!!
Monica Stove(Snel)
For many years I was on the Calif Peace Officers Memorial Committee and every year I met the widows and children of the Officers who were killed. Heart breaking….
Thank you, ken, for performing such a heartwrenching but beautiful deed.
Reading these made me cry and also deeply appreciate the sacrificial aspect of this work. I Pray for all in these fields of work who daily lay their lives on the line. Thank you for this special blog for this day.
Thank you, Wendy.
This is a nice tribute to those who gave all in the line of duty. Blessed are the peacemakers …
Blessed, indeed. Thank you, Mike.
Outstanding tribute. Thank you. When I got to EOB(Emergency Operations Bureau) We were handling all departmental funerals. During my first funeral an old timer told me he had already handled six. I remember thinking I hope I never see that number. Sadly we became good at our job and other departments began asking us to assist or run their funerals. By the time I left EOB I had worked on 22 funerals. Whether you know the person or not every deputy/officer funeral effects you. Thanks again.
I didn’t know that, Mike. I wrote about the funeral detail in one of my books, ECHO KILLERS I believe, but I didn’t know anyone on our department who worked it, so I talked to Rosie who had worked LAPD’s, to get some ideas of how they operated. Thank you for handling a tough, necessary, and burdonsome duty.
Thanks Danny. After I read Echo Killers I was going shoot you a message. But, you capture the feeling perfectly.
Thanks, Mike. Good to know.
Thank you for your service cousin, and Rest in Peace John Cisneros, Captain, Baldwin Park Police Dept. and mentor Joe Malloy, Chief, Anaheim Police Dept.
Thank you for the wonderful tribute Danny!
Thanks, Bob.
Thank you Danny, for a great tribute to a great bunch of heroes.
Allow me to pay tribute to a non LASD member, whose name is Detective Gerald Wayne “Blackie” Sawyer of LAPD.
In 1973 I was working as an undercover narcotics officer with LASD and brought into a joint case with us and LAPD, who had the primary handle. They needed an “older white UC” and theirs’ (Blackie Swayer) was tied up in court. Long story short, after 3 or 4 weeks, Blackie was released from court and took over as the U.C. on the case. I stayed on at the request of all involved but not in a UC capacity.
It turned out that Blackie and I had much in common. We were both 32 years old and 10 year veterans, married and with two children each. He lived in La Mirada where I had worked at while assigned to the Norwalk Patrol Station. We quickly became buddies.
On Nov. 6, 1973, exactly 10 years and 2 days from my date of hire, Blackie was shot to death at a hotel in Santa Monica where he was purchasing a large amount of cocaine from the suspect for $150,000. There was no cocaine, as it was a “rip-off” from the start. At the time, I was in the parking lot of the hotel with a point on the suspect’s vehicle which supposedly contained the cocaine [which it didn’t].
Sadly, in 1974 the suspect was acquitted in court of murder due to a technicality.
Rest in peace Blackie, you did not receive justice, but you are not forgotten by anyone that matters…..Ron
That is maddening. Thank you for sharing that though I honestly wish I didn’t know the results of that POS being released.
How did the suspect get acquitted of murder?! The system should have thrown that POS into a sewer filled with raving rats and shredded his skin and flesh with no mercy! Detective Sawyer got a portion of Beach Boulevard in La Habra named after him. But it is no consolation for a good man to lose his life to some evil creeps in a tragic way.
Very true, Raul… it is no consolation at all. Thank you.
Rich Hammack. EOW May 11, 1992. Shot and killed during a Narco warrant in Palmdale. Rich and I grew up together, worked custody together, and worked and carpooled to Lynwood together. His death hit me the hardest of all my fallen comrades.
I remember the case, but I don’t think I had ever had the privilege to know Rich. Thank you, Dave, for including him in this tribute with your comment.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends [fellow citizens]. John 15:13
Nice job putting this together and posting it, Danny. May we all remember till our very last day.
Thank you, Sonny.
Fantastic tribute to our former partners! Jack Williams (my academy classmate and close friend); George Barthel (my Training Officer at Firestone) and Dee Hurdle (a sister car in Willowbrook at the time of his shooting) are all tragic memories of lost friends. May God keep his arms around them. I left the department in July 1979 to accept a Chief of Police position out of state, but the memories never leave you.
Thank you, sir. God bless.
Heroes all.
Thank you, Danny
Regards,
William Donelson
Thank you, William.
Behind every number is a human being, a public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice to make this society a bit safer for all of us each and every day. How many families continue to grieve the loss of each deputy every single day, and for each of the families of the fallen, their lives essentially stopped the moment of EOW of their loved ones. No words can express the tremendous loss and sacrifice made by each deputy when they lost their lives in the Line of Duty.
We are living in times, especially in California, where the deterrence of strong laws has disappeared with failed policies like Realignment and Reduction of Serious Felonies into Misdemeanors. For those of us who have lived an entire lifetime in Southern California know how the hypes of the 1970s, the Crack Wars and crackheads of the 1980s and 1990s, and the methheads of the 2000’s and 2010’s are evil predators. In simple terms, predators don’t have any respect for human life, because all they care about is the “next fix”.
I mention this fact, because Deputies cannot be disallowed from truly enforcing the law with flawed policies. I sadly see the day coming real soon of deputies becoming “disarmed” by being forced to carry weapons of inferior calibers that would not bring down a heavily armed or drugged up suspect at all. Worse, society especially here in California has lost giving the respect that Law Enforcement rightfully deserves. Even traffic fines do not become active warrants if unpaid, and the slippery slope into anarchy means that many good men and women who serve and patrol as officers and deputies will outright quit a career that only offers harm and no protections from increasingly dangerous and highly predatory drug addicts.
Memorial Day is not a day of barbecues, sales and a holiday. Its a solemn occasion when we stop and pause to remember the good people who have made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten.
P.S.-I read in depth A Good Bunch Of Men. Its many times better than watching Sunset Boulevard or a classic Noir Film on TCM! Who would have known that a crime in the gritty street aka Long Beach Boulevard would lead to Hollywood’s door step! I salute your incredible insight and mesmerizing details! No Hollywood movie can compare to the nailbiter drama contained in the pages of A Few Good Men!
Raul, well said, my friend, and thank you for the very kind words. Danny
Danny,,
What a nice tribute to the many who have fallen. I have lost some very close friends and two family members who gave their lives while on the job. Every time I read those names a tear comes to my eyes and I thank our good Lord for their friendship and service. I know more names will be added to the list but one more will be to many. May God bless our brothers and sisters who go forward everyday doing this thankless job.
Thank you, Kay. God bless.
Thank you for honoring and remembering my husband, Deputy Steve Blair (EOW 05/12/1995). He will forever hold my heart and soul.
Thank you, also, for remembering so many other friends that have been killed in cold blood (Mike Hoenig, Jerry Ortiz, Steve Owen…too name a few).
I’d also like to remember one of our best friends Deputy Tony Murrill who unfortunately took his own life just a couple of years after my husband’s murder. Before joining LASD he was a Navy SEAL. He left the department shortly after Steve’s murder. His time with the military and LASD – things he saw, loss of his brothers ultimately led to his death. I will always owe him my life, for when I was at my lowest and was ready to end my own life he saw through me (when no else did) and stopped me before I went past that one second of “do and die” that you cannot turn the clock back on once the trigger is pulled. I only wish I could’ve been there to do the same for him when his darkest moment took control of him. I only hope Steve and Tony are together watching over us all with their other fallen brothers. I truly believe any member/veteran of law enforcement or the military who commits suicide is a line of duty death.
Every time another member of law enforcement is killed, it’s like losing Steve all over again and it takes another piece of my soul.
God Bless….
Dana, thank you so much for commenting on this post, and thank you for reminding me of Tony’s passing. Yes, he, too, was a great man. The night Steve was killed is as fresh in my mind today as it was in the days and nights that followed. I worked Century DB night car at the time, and we were deeply involved in the investigation and manhunt. May all of our fallen brethren rest eternally in a place better than this one.
God bless you, Dana.
Danny
Thank you for the memories. I recruited Tony to the Department!
He lived at my house while attending the Academy!
Mike O’Hara
What a great mentor he was to me. And a person with a heart the size of Texas. Cheers Mike!
Thanks, Mike.
I’d like to remember my fellow classmate Officer Ryan Stringer Alhambra P.D. EOW July 10th, 2011. He was killed while responding to a robbery in progress. His sister car collided with him. Had he been wearing his seat belt the out come may have been different. He was a great motivator in the academy.
I’d also like to remember Captain Michael Sparks EOW August 10th, 2004, who worked L A. County Office of Public Safety. He was shot on his morning bike ride. But didn’t go down with out a fight. He returned fire wounding one shooter. Responding units located one shooter the other found off a traffic stop. Both convicted and sent to person. One of the shooters was recently found dead in his cell.
Memories may fade from this who remember our lost, but let’s try and remind those coming on of the sacrifices of those we have lost.
Thank you, Mike, for sharing these memories. I remember Captain Sparks–what a tragic case. They all are. Thank you for the contribution.
Captain Spark’s killed died in prison in the past 30 days…too bad he didn’t stay way longer..
Thanks much Danny! For your books bringing back and stirring such memories!
I would like to add the following two deputies, who I worked with or around before their untimely deaths: Deputy David Holquin. Was murdered I think in September or Octorber of 1984. He was on Training at FPK while I was working there. He finished his shift and on his way home, driving east on Florence Through the city of Bell, he spotted a lone young child (late at night) sitting on a bus bench. He stopped to check on the welfare of the child. He called Bell P.D. and asvised them he would stay with child until they arrived. At some point, the child’s father approached. The father I believe was a parollee and a hype. David (Deputy Holquin) checked the man and found track marks. He lectured the man, who argued back with David. Another male adult walking past saw the argument and went into his nearby apartment and retrieved a gun. The man then confronted David and they started to argue. The man shot and killed David and fled the scene. After at leasta week of investigation the man was arrested snd claimed he ahot David in self defense. Fortunately the Jury did not belive the suspect’s story and found him guilty of murdering Deputy David Holquin. I will never forget David because I worked around him and both of us being new to patrol would shared many stories about what we had been experiencing during our shifts. We both finished our shift that evening by sharing a few stories and saying we would see each other the following shift. When I returned to work for my next shift. I remember an O.G. FPK deputy advising me that David was murdered shortly after his last shift. All of us at FPK were only given very few facts as to where and when his body was found and nothing more since the investigation was still innthe early stages. I along with most of us FPK deputies were in a haze of disbelief, anger and a feeling that we had somehow let David down by not being able to save him. I felt useless not being able to find and apprehend his murderer.
Deputy Pierre Bain (111M): Deputy Bain died on duty while riding his department motorcycle. He was making a turn while speeding up to catch up to a traffic offender, when another driver unintentionally cut him off, clipping the rear tire of Pierre’s motor, causing the bike to swerve out of control and slamming head on into a tree on the side of the road. Pierre died instantly from the trauma! He was respected by all who knew him and worked with or around him. He had a way of cheering up everyone he spoke ro including the thousands of people he cited.
Thank you, Brian.
Thank you for the tribute. They still bring a tear to my eye all these later. Good Jon Danny.
Me too, Bob. Thank you.
I also want to mention Shayne York. Shayne was assassinated while at a hair salon in Buena Park in August of 1997. He and his fiancée , who was also a deputy, had stopped at her sister’s hair salon on their way to Vegas. Two gangsters entered the location to commit a robbery. When one found Shayne’s badge, he executed him. She was spared, although the same suspect argued with his cohort on whether to kill her too or not after finding her badge. They were caught later that night while continuing their crime spree. Shayne passed away a little less than 2 days later after he was removed from life support. A bunch of us remained at the hospital for the entire time and a couple of us were with his bedside when Shayne literally took his last breaths. Will never forget him.
Thank you for sharing this, Robert.
Kevin Michael Burrell and James Wayne MacDonald. I was working the night these two young brave men lost their lives on Rosecrans Avenue in Compton on February 22, 1993. My partner and I responded to the scene. Jimmy was a reserve officer for us and it was his last night as a Compton Officer. He was hired to go to the academy for San Jose PD. He had asked me before briefing for any notes I may had from the academy because I had graduated a year earlier. I told him I would get them to him at the end of watch.
Russ, I was working Firestone that night and responded to the scene. We spent the rest of the shift hunting. Very, very sad. Thank you for sharing.
I was in the academy and soon after our drivers training at Pomona one of our instructors, Deputy Charles Anderson, was killed in his home. Supposedly by a burglar… I don’t know if I believe that; and far as I know it was never solved.
I remember that name. What year was that?
It would have been late 86 or early 87…
I looked it up on the Ca peace ofc memorial website…Jan 24th, 1987
I remember it, but not the details. Didn’t he live in Burbank? For some reason, that’s the case I’m thinking of. Came home and was allegedly shot by a burglar. Is that the right one?
It is still unsolved. Someone knows something..
Sergeant Rene Hernandez EOW May 23, 2003. Rene died in a vehicle accident off duty. He was my friend and often made me laugh. His death changed how made time for a hug. The last time I saw Rene was at Century Station. I was late for a Narco briefing and Rene was walking out to the parking lot. Rene had his arms open to give me a hug and I said I’ll catch you later I’m late for a briefing. There was never a hug again from Rene for me. I make time for hugs from special people always now.
Claudine, that is a touching story and a great lesson for us all. We never know long we have. Thank you for sharing that.
A nice tribute Dan. I knew most of the of those guys.
I just ran 10 miles in the Memorial Run last week wearing a Nelson Yamamoto shirt. The 26th time I’ve done that run in his memory. It’s good to see to see Nelson and the others recognized and remembered.
Wow, 26… time flies. Thank you, partner!
That is great that you paid tribute to Yamamoto in the run John. If I could still run, it would have been an honor as well.
Pat
“Still?” lol… JK partner
Remembering a colleague, neighbor and friend, Didier (Dee) M. Hurdle, EOW November 25, 1977. Killed in Lynwood on a traffic stop of suspected drug dealers. Dee left a wife and two children. May he rest in peace and may God watch over and comfort his wife and children.
Thank you, Dan, for that contribution. Yes, Dee Hurdle is a name well known to all who worked the area even many years later. I am confident it will always remain, that every year we all remember and new guys learn and bow their heads in respect and reflection.
Fantastic tribute to true heros. I came on in 78 and knew, met or worked with many of these heros and far too many others. Thank you.
Thank you, Jim.
Danny, thank you for your post, I too remember all of these cases and this was a wonderful tribute to our heroes.
Thank you, Susan, I appreciate the kind words.
Outstanding tribute Danny. The death of any Deputy/Officer is tragic and it is getting more frequent in the world today. I wanted to mention Deputy Roy Chester and Deputy James, (Jim) McSweeney who were killed in a helicopter crash on the San Diego and Mexican border working a special operation in 1988. I worked with Roy and Jim when I went to Narco. They were great Cops. Roy was my training officer in Narcotics, a great Cop and a good friend. I Also want to mention Deputy Steve Bellinger. Steve just recently passed away from injuries he sustained from a gun shot wound to the head while working Walnut Station area of Rowland Heights. All good people and will be missed..
Jeff, thank you for mentioning a couple of Stoney boys, Chester and McSweeney. I didn’t know either of them but of course, I’m very familiar with the names and the incident at the border that resulted in great losses for us and others. I didn’t know Steve but I am familiar with that terrible incident. DW and I were speaking of it after he passed away, and he gave me all the details. Thanks for mentioning all of these great men, Jeff.
Very poignant tributary my friend. It has brought back so many memories. I have represented my department at four officer funerals and 2 of my fellow classmates from the Oregon police academy have lost their lives in the line of duty. May they Rest In Peace.
Thank you, Pam. I can’t remember how many cop funerals I had attended before attending my first cop autopsy. There were a lot. But after attending the autopsy of a deputy I knew–shortly after going to Homicide–I said no more funerals other than close friends. As you know all of these weigh heavily and last forever.
I worked for a brief time with Nelson at the Hall of Justice Jail, before he went into the field. Great guy and always had a smile on his face. Jerry Ortiz and I were partners in the jail as well. Could not ask to meet a nicer guy. Both are missed and I use their stories to make sure that my officers stay sharp and focused while on patrol. Many years away from my LASD days, but always in my heart.
You are right, Jeff, both great men. Thanks for the comment. Be safe and God bless.
Thank you Danny for posting. It stirred up a lot of memories. Jake Kuredjian was in my Academy class. Great guy! I knew Steve and was the 3rd unit to arrive that fatal night. I worked tirelessly and helped identify his killer. I was friends with Jerry and assisted on the case securing an identification from a reluctant witness that helped convict the asshole killer. I was at Century station when Hoenig was murdered. Damn Danny, we’ve seen too many die.
Yes sir, indeed we have. Some memories never dull either.
Well done my friend, but a sad commentary on our society.
Thank you, Ted!
Danny, great tribute to well deserving heroes. I came on in 1972 and my memorial list of slain officers during my tenure was near 70 in 33 years. Tragic
Thank you, Tony. Tragic indeed.