In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.  On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 53 hours.

“…This is the time and this is the place to honor their memories, not so much how their service ended, but how they served, how they lived. Bend a knee and bow a head and remember them and those left behind.  Always remember...” -  Dave Eyman

Please visit the below links to learn more about the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the California State Officer Memorial.

http://www.nleomf.com/           http://www.camemorial.org

Officer John Millet

Date Appointed: January 16, 1948     

End of Watch: June 16, 1953

Years of Service: Nearly 6 years                                                                                                        

Age: 28

Cause: Gunfire

*Veteran of 10 campaigns in the South Pacific

Cause of Death:  While on duty, Officer Milett was taking target practice at the police shooting range.  A second officer, who was cleaning a gun, had an accidental discharge of his weapon.  The bullet struck and killed Officer Milett.

Officer Francis Carver

Date Appointed: November 11, 1946         

End of Watch: November 19, 1948

Years of Service: 2 years

Age: 26

Cause: Motorcycle Accident

Cause of Death:  Officer Carver was involved in a high speed pursuit of a traffic violator.  Officer Carver lost control of his motorcycle and crashed.  He died of his injuries at Santa Monica Hospital.

Officer Edward W. Gardell

Date Appointed: August 15, 1934             

End of Watch: July 21, 1939

Years of Service: Nearly 5 years

Age: 31

Cause: Automobile Accident

Cause of Death: Officer Gardell was pursuing a traffic violator on Wilshire Boulevard.  He attempted to pass a car, but struck the vehicle.  He died of his injuries at California Lutheran Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Walter Grider

Date appointed: Unknown

End of Watch: April 14, 1933

Years of Service: 4.5 years

Age: 35

Cause: Gunfire

Cause Of Death: Detective Grider attempted to arrest a burglar, but the suspect ran.  The detective fired warning shots and the suspect halted.  An armed citizen came to assist Detective Grider.   The suspect again broke and ran.  A bullet, fired by the citizen, accidently struck and killed Detective Grider.

 Officer Jesse Farr

Date Appointed: Unknown

End of Watch: April 9, 1925

Years of Service: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Cause: Motorcycle Accident

Cause of Death: While on patrol near the old Pacific Electric crossing, Officer Farr was struck by a drunk driver.  The drunk driver fled the scene, but was later arrested.  Officer Farr died of his injuries at Pacific Hospital.

A special thanks to Officer Andrew Myers and Senior Forensic Specialist Clark Fogg for providing the information and photographs for this project.