Park Patrol Officer Howard Huang was brutally murdered on the morning of March 11, 1984, while working a one-man unit in South Central Los Angeles. As with many other of the security officers of Los Angeles County, Huang had been working this late shift by himself for several months.

A common occurrence, and unfortunately an accepted practice, which lead to Huang paying the ultimate price. He gave his life in the performance of duty. A sacrifice that should make every peace officer even more aware of the hazards of his work and the ease in which he can lose his life.

The shooting death of Huang, the first officer to be killed while on duty in the 15-year history of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department’s patrol force, has baffled investigators.

And In the words of one of his colleagues, the killing “was a rude awakening that may cause us to look at ourselves and our job a little more.”

Lt. Carl Moore, supervisor of the park and recreation patrol, said Huang was “a very alert officer who took pride in wearing his uniform. He was a people person and had a very pleasant attitude while on the job. He was respected and well-liked.”

The services, which were held March 20 at Rose Hill Mortuary, were attended by more than 350 police officers from various departments throughout the State. Officer Huang’s mother, Mrs. Huang, received the State of California Flag that was flying on the State Capitol Building March 11, and Huang’s name will be added to the Peace Officers’ Memorial in the State Capitol Building in Sacramento.

More importantly Huang’s name will be memorialized by his friends and fellow officers.

“Officer Huang, who was involved in his community, really enjoyed being a peace officer and being around people. He will indeed be missed by all of us who knew him,” said Chuck Kowalski, president of the L.A. County Safety Police Association.