Honor Roll

Reserve Deputy

Charles D. Rea

Date of Birth
March 20, 1934
Appointed
February 6, 1968
Department
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch
January 26, 1969
Plaque
18

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Reserve Deputy Charles Rea was killed while assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Crescenta Valley Station, Montrose Search and rescue team. Deputy Rea was attempting to cross a stream on a makeshift log bridge to rescue trapped civilians during a flash flood in Big Tujunga Canyon. Deputy Rea fell into the raging waters which carried him downstream. He drowned before comrades could pull him out.

Tributes in honor of Reserve Deputy Charles D. Rea

  • Rescue Attempt of sick Child

    My heart hurts years later (2025) as I was this ‘little boy.’
    We lived in the house across the washed-out bridge, up the hill to the left. My mom and I were eventually lifted by helicopter to a hospital. At the time I was only 13 years old and had no clue of the rescue attempts. First responders are a courageous group of individuals who risk all for others. Even tears later (20096) our house, as well as others on La Paloma Flats off of Stonyvale Rd were all burned to the ground. We did not live there then yet I know there were also 1st responders still giving all they had. Thanks so much for your continued effort.
    Michael Lee (Sorrells as a child)