Chad E. Swanson

On October 4, 2023, Officer Chad Swanson of the Manhattan Beach Police Department was killed in a motorcycle crash on the 405 Highway at Del Amo Avenue.

At approximately 5:15am, a vehicle struck his department motorcycle after another vehicle made an unsafe lane change. The impact threw Officer Swanson off his motorcycle. He was transported to Harbor Medical Center where, despite all life-saving measures, he died from his injuries.

Officer Swanson earned a Medal of Valor for saving the life of a burglary suspect in 2015. In 2017, despite being wounded at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival, Officer Swanson repeatedly ran into the crowd, bringing people to safety.

Officer Swanson had served with the Manhattan Beach Police Department for 13 years and previously served with the Hawthorne Police Department. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and parents.

Timothy Corlew

At approximately 5:30am on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Timothy Corlew had just cleared a traffic stop on CA 91. While traveling westbound in the HOV lane east of La Sierra Avenue, Deputy Corlew’s patrol motorcycle collided with a vehicle, ejecting him from his motorcycle. Riverside Fire Department paramedics reached the location within minutes and attempted life-saving measures, after which Deputy Corlew was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where, tragically, he was pronounced deceased.

Deputy Timothy Corlew, age 40, was a 9-year veteran of the Riverside Co. Sheriff’s Office, most recently assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Donations to the Corlew family can be made as follows:

https://helpahero.com/campaign/motor-deputy-timothy-corlew

Checks should be mailed to the Riverside County Sheriff Relief Foundation or RCDSRF, 21810 Cactus Avenue, Riverside CA 92518…memo line: Deputy Corlew

 

Austin Machitar

Shortly after 11:30pm on Monday, August 26, 2024, officers from the San Diego Police Department witnessed a vehicle traveling at an excessively high rate of speed on surface streets and initiated a traffic stop. The driver did not yield, and a short pursuit ensued. Due to the high rate of speed by the fleeing suspect vehicle, a supervisor terminated the pursuit.

SDPD Officer Austin Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez were responding to the area to assist if needed when the fleeing vehicle struck their patrol unit as they were passing through the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive.

Officer Austin Machitar died at the scene. Officer Zachary Martinez was last listed in critical but stable condition.

Officer Machitar was a 5 ½ -year veteran of the San Diego Police Department and a native son of the area, having grown up in Chula Vista. Last month he celebrated his 30th birthday. He is survived by his parents and sister.

PORAC has established a memorial fund for Officers Machitar and Martinez: porac.org/fundraiser/sandiegopd_officers/

Additional details and funeral information will be provided as available.

Matthew Bowen

At approximately 10:31am on Thursday, July 11, 2024, Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen was conducting a traffic stop near the intersection of Leisure Town Road and Orange Drive when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. Officer Bowen began receiving medical aid on scene and was transported to a local hospital where, despite all lifesaving efforts, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Officer Bowen attempted to flee the scene on foot, however, she was detained by bystanders who witnessed the crash. CHP investigators contacted the driver, 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez of Auburn, and determined she was driving her vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Rodriguez was taken into custody and subsequently booked into Solano County Jail on charges of homicide and driving under the influence causing injury and/or death.

Officer Bowen had been with the Vacaville Police Department since June 13, 2023, after serving with the Concord Police Department.

“He has served with the highest dedication and honor, and his loss is deeply felt by the Department, the City, and the community,” the Police Department said in a statement.

Officer Matthew Bowen is survived by his wife, two sons, his parents, and brother.

Additional details and funeral information will be provided as available.

 

Donald A. Mason

A couple hundred people turned out to pay their respects to Detective Donald Archibald Mason at his funeral more than six decades ago, overflowing the chapel. The people officiating shared with the crowd that Detective Mason was a good father to his two daughters, a good husband, neighbor, friend, citizen. He was a good public servant. After the memorial, those attending watched as Donald’s gold-colored casket was wheeled out to the waiting hearse. Motorcycle officers escorted the procession to the cemetery as a line of police units moved peacefully onto the street.

Donald began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on August 27, 1949, after serving in the United States Army. He received “marks of high efficiency” from his superiors at the sheriff’s department. Donald’s personnel file included numerous letters of appreciation – from court personnel, federal law enforcement members, and citizens in the community he served. He possessed a desire to promote, worked hard, and experienced a fast rise from patrolman to detective. As a member of the Sheriff’s Underwater Squad, he was also involved in many rescue activities.

On December 23, 1959, Detective Donald Mason was involved in a physical altercation in a San Bernardino County courtroom. When a judge ruled that the suspect was mentally ill, the suspect kicked Donald in the groin and chest. After the incident, Donald was driving his patrol unit by himself when he pulled over on a Highland roadway and requested medical aid over the radio. On the call, he complained of chest pains. When Undersheriff Walter Pitts arrived, he discovered Donald slumped in the car. An ambulance transported Donald to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy showed that he suffered a fatal heart attack – three hours after the courtroom scuffle. Detective Mason was 36 years old.

Detective Donald A. Mason served the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, Grace, and two daughters, Jacqueline, and Kathleen. Please always remember Detective Mason and honor him for his service, his dedication, and making the ultimate sacrifice.

Anthony Ray White

Sergeant Anthony White was a “fighter, and he wasn’t one to quit.” Those were the words of his wife, Tawnya, in a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Training Division video after he lost his life as a result of COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty. Because of Anthony’s strength and determination, Tawnya, their two school-aged children, and the rest of their family were “hopeful he would get through this.” Anthony battled his illness for more than 100 days in a few different hospitals. Tawnya says her husband “fought every day and he wanted to come home.” Unfortunately, his lungs were badly damaged, and he got rapidly worse. After he had a tracheostomy (an incision in the windpipe made to relieve obstructed breathing), he could no longer speak. His family would never hear his voice again.

In reporter Sheri Fink’s New York Times article entitled, The Rationing of a Last-Resort Covid Treatment, dated July 12, 2021, Tawnya shares that Anthony wrote on a white board that he was hoping to “get well for retirement.” In the end, his wife says, “COVID was attacking his entire body and he never recovered… His body started to shut down and it was very, very traumatic.” Sadly, at the age of 54, Sergeant Anthony White passed away. In honor of Sergeant White, Capitol flags in Sacramento were flown at half-staff. The Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), the union that represents LAPD officers, paid tribute to Anthony in a Twitter post saying, “He protected our city for over 30 years. Our prayers are with Sgt. White’s family, friends and co-workers during their time of sadness.”

Sergeant White started working for the LAPD in 1990 and served the department for 31 years. His most recent assignment was at the Transit Services Division. Prior to that, he worked at the Hollenbeck, Southwest, Internal Affairs and Transit Services divisions. Sergeant White, his wife, and their two children lived in the Inland Empire city of Eastvale, about 50 miles from Los Angeles.

In Fink’s New York Times article, she details recollections Anthony’s two kids shared about their dad. Sergeant White’s son, 11 at the time, recalled his father teaching him how to play chess. Anthony’s 15-year-old daughter emotionally spoke about going out for fast food with her dad after soccer practice. They also reminisced about how their parents would sing as they cooked together, right near a sign that read, “This kitchen is for dancing.”

Due to the restrictions back then on visiting COVID patients in the hospital, Tawnya was initially not allowed to visit her husband. She would “go to bed thinking about him” and “wake up thinking about him.” Fortunately, the no-visitor policy was eventually lifted, and Anthony was able to take his wife’s hand in his. He mouthed, “How do I get stronger?”

Sergeant White’s milestones were followed by setbacks, and he ultimately succumbed to his illness on April 15, 2021. He left behind his loving wife, two children, parents, and two sisters. Sergeant Anthony White will be remembered as “a beautiful person with a beautiful heart” who left us too soon. May we all find inspiration in the courage he exemplified in the toughest of times.

Philip T. Sudario

Officer Philip Taclas Sudario was a true family man. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his wife, three kids, three siblings, and extended family. Whether it was a birthday, an anniversary or even the smallest of occasions, Philip made it feel special. Married to his wife, Jonalyn, for 31 years, he never forgot the importance of date nights. He was very involved in his children’s lives. Son Jacob cherishes all the time he got to spend with his dad when they would carpool together. Philip would drop him off at school on his way to work. Philip loved hosting theme parties, dancing, and DJing. His son, Joshua, says he inherited his passion for music from his father. One of Joshua’s favorite memories is when he and his dad went to see a rock band from the Philippines perform live in concert when the band came to California. Philip was also a barbecue master, known for his delicious steak and smoked baby back ribs. His daughter, Phylicia, looked forward to any time she could cook or bake with her dad. As a kid, Philip played baseball, basketball, and football, and continued to be an avid sports fan as he aged. A Los Angeles native, Philip remained committed to his L.A. teams: the Rams, Lakers, and Dodgers. He was also a fan of the New Zealand All Blacks international union rugby team. Philip likely didn’t appreciate any athletic activity more though than coaching his two sons in basketball and football when they were little.

Philip grew up in the Watts area of Los Angeles and graduated from Gardena High School in 1986. That same year, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. It must have been meant to be because that’s where he met his future wife. Philip and Jonalyn married at the end of 1989. He was assigned to Combat Arms Training and Maintenance (CATM). In 1995, Philip received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department. In 1997, after completing his probationary period, he was assigned to the Southeast Division in South L.A. where he grew up. Officer Sudario worked various assignments, including patrol and community relations. He even received a medal for expert shooting. Philip passed away on January 25, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. He served the Los Angeles Police Department and his native L.A. for 25 years. Officer Sudario was a Police Officer II when he died.

Philip’s brother, Paul Jr., says his “favorite memories with Phil would be our daily phone calls and how we would always crack jokes together, either on the phone or in person at family gatherings. Phil would always brighten up a room with his jokes.” Let us remember Officer Philip Taclas Sudario as that bright light bringing joy to those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace and love.

Patricia Elena Guillen

Sergeant Patricia Guillen has left a huge impression on those who knew her. She will always be remembered for having a deep respect and loyalty to her family. Sergeant Guillen served the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for nearly 23 years and was most recently assigned to the 77th Division.

Patricia possessed many outstanding characteristics. On the job, she was reliable and focused. She was known to mentor both young and tenured detectives, and never hesitated to share her past experiences to benefit others. Those who worked for or with Sergeant Guillen became better employees because of the wisdom she imparted. Her keen instinct for detail and by-the-book mentality made her an invaluable member of the department. Off the job, Patricia kept busy following her passion for culture, adventure, and travel. She loved hiking, camping, and spending time at the beach, so it’s no wonder Hawaii was one of her favorite spots.

Sergeant Guillen’s family lovingly called her “Patsy.” Patsy was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to California at the age of two with her parents, Alonso and Maria, older sister Veronica, younger brother Federico, and little sister Dolores. Growing up in Los Angeles, she enjoyed bike riding, skateboarding, and mostly playing basketball. While at Garfield High School, Patricia was proud to be a member of the Lettergirls, a service organization comprised of female, lettered athletes who maintained their grade point averages while participating in sports and helped teachers, administrators, and other students with athletic events and campus activities. She was also pleased to be a member of the Ephebian Society, a longstanding civic betterment and service organization in L.A.

Patricia loved her family deeply and did whatever she could to be there for them. The moment Patricia learned her brother was ready to get married, she went online and became certified so that she could officiate the wedding. That’s just the type of person and sister she was.

At the age of 59, Sergeant Guillen passed away after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Due to the nature of Patricia’s job and one that was deemed essential during the global pandemic, she and thousands of other law enforcement officers and first responders were required to work and interact with the community, even though the majority of the country was quarantining.

A longtime co-worker said, “Our hearts are broken, and our police community continues to mourn Sergeant Guillen. It is with my deepest respect that we honor her service and duty as an officer. Thank you, Sergeant Guillen, you will be remembered.”

The family of Sergeant Patricia Guillen hopes their beloved daughter and sister is now relaxing to the sounds of ocean waves and Hawaiian music. Please join us in keeping the Guillens close to your heart and honoring Patricia for putting the lives of others ahead of her own life. She made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget it.

Alfredo “Freddy” Flores

On October 10, 2023, Deputy Alfredo “Freddy” Flores of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was training with a fellow deputy inside the mobile shooting range at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic when an equipment malfunction ignited a fire at approximately 9:30am. Both Deputies suffered severe burns before being rescued by fellow deputies and transported to a local hospital.

After a valiant months-long fight, Deputy Flores succumbed to his injuries on April 20, 2024.

Deputy Freddy Flores, age 51, worked for the department for 22 years “with dedication and pride,” the department said in a statement. “Deputy Flores worked many assignments throughout his tenure in the Department and touched many lives through his work at North County Correctional Facility, Altadena Station, and Court Services West Bureau. He was well-respected in the Department and in the community and his passing will leave a huge void in the hearts of many who knew him.”

He is survived by his wife, children, parents, and siblings.

Tuan Le

Long before Officer Tuan Le became a peace officer, he exhibited a kind and generous spirit. Born in Vietnam, Le moved to Oakland when he was a child. At Tuan’s memorial service, his cousin, Jennifer Ky, emotionally told a story about Tuan that has stuck with her all these years. She reminisced about a time when Tuan’s aunt gave him an apple shortly before he left Vietnam to relocate to the United States. Instead of eating the apple himself, Tuan saved it and asked if they could cut it up so he could share it with his cousins before he parted ways with them. “This was the kind of person Tuan was at seven years old and 36 years old,” his cousin said. “From childhood to now, we will always remember Tuan for his willingness to share his time, making the effort and bringing us together.” 

Tuan demonstrated a desire to serve and protect at a young age too. His grandfather had been a police officer in Vietnam and Tuan vowed to become an officer just like him. In 2019, Tuan’s dream came true. He applied to the Oakland Police Department and entered the 183rd Oakland Police Recruit Academy. He graduated from the academy in 2020. Although Tuan’s grandfather had already passed away, Tuan knew he had made him proud.

In 2006, Tuan graduated from Oakland High School. That’s where he met Sarah, the young lady who would become his high school sweetheart, his wife, the love of his life. Tuan is remembered as a devoted husband as well as a caring, affectionate, and protective family member.

In the early morning hours of December 29, 2023, Officer Le and his partner were working undercover and responded to a marijuana growing facility in Oakland that had been burglarized multiple times that morning. Tuan was struck by gunfire while he was driving an unmarked truck and crashed into two parked cars. He was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Officer Le had served four years with the Oakland Police Department. He was 36 years old when he was killed.

For the last couple years of Tuan’s life, he served as a Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland. He worked hard to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and Oakland’s residents. He was well-liked and trusted in the neighborhood. Tuan was also an important member of Oakland’s Asian-American community, acting as a bridge between the Vietnamese residents and Oakland P.D. His tireless efforts made a lasting impact. Many called Tuan a true representative of Oakland.

When Officer Le wasn’t working, he enjoyed being outside hiking or mountain biking, often wearing Crocs footwear, and he loved his two dogs.

Officer Tuan Le will be remembered for his kind heart, generous soul, warm smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making the city of Oakland a safer place and the world a better place.