On the afternoon of February 20, 2004 the Los Angeles Police Department suffered the loss of one of its fine young officers in the line of duty, and the State of California recorded its second Line of Duty loss in the New Year.

Officer Ricardo Lizarraga, 31 years old, with less than 3 years as an L.A.P.D. officer, along with his partner Officer Joel Ruiz, responded to a domestic violence call in the Newton Division. Upon arrival at the location of the call the two officers were confronted by 32 year old known gang member and convicted felon Kendrick Johnson. Johnson produced a handgun and began firing at the officers, one of the rounds fatally wounding Lizarraga. Officer Ruiz returned fire; Johnson fleeing the scene, and being arrested a short time later cowering in an alley. Kendrick Johnson did not live to stand trial for the senseless murder of a police officer. On February 24 he was found hanging from the bars of his County jail cell. He died the next day.

Ricardo Lizarraga was born and raised in West Los Angeles. He graduated from Hamilton High School, where he excelled in athletics, attended Santa Monica City College, and was employed by a super market chain for 10 years prior to entering the Los Angeles Police Department.

Lizarraga’s fellow officers and command staff at the Newton Division had nothing but praise for the quiet, efficient young officer. Captain Fabian Lizarraga, no relation, commanding officer of the Newton Division characterized Ricardo as “a husky young officer who could look intimidating, but all you had to do was talk to him and you would immediately know what a really nice kid he was”.

Police Chief William Bratton expressed his grief over the death of Officer Lizarraga and hoped that it would serve to rally the City around its police department and develop a “mighty resolve” to counter violence in the streets. He cited the dramatic increase in the number of incidents involving criminals shooting at police vehicles as an indication of how serious the problem of street violence had become.

On Friday morning, February 27, several thousand mourners gathered at the new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles to pay their final respects to a fallen hero. The thousands of uniformed Los Angeles police officers and officers from jurisdictions state-wide were joined by family members, elected officials and dignitaries, including Mayor James Hahn, District Attorney Steve Cooley and the ever present at law enforcement funerals, Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

Cardinal Roger Mahony in eulogizing Officer Lizarraga spoke forcefully of the need for more police officers on the streets of Los Angeles, “when we can count more murders here than soldiers who have died in an active war in Iraq, something is terribly wrong”, the Cardinal pleaded.

Officer Ricardo Lizarraga was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. He is survived by his wife Joyce, his parents Candolario and Cristina Lizarraga and siblings Jorge, Lorena and Laura.

A trust fund has been established and contributions may be made in the name of Officer Ricardo Lizarraga, “Blue Ribbon Fund”, Newton Division, Los Angeles Police Department, 3400 So. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA., 90011

On the afternoon of January 29, 2004 the City of Westminister lost its first police officer “In the Line of Duty” in the forty-six year history of the Department and California lost its first officer “In the Line of Duty” in the New Year.

Motor Officer Steven L. Phillips; forty-six years old, a 17-year veteran of the Department was on routine traffic enforcement duty when his motorcycle collided with a sedan at an intersection in the City. The sedan, operated by Ly Xuan Ngo, a seventy-one year old resident of Garden Grove was apparently negotiating a left turn in the path of Officer Phillips when the collision occurred. Tragically, the driver of the sedan suffered massive injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Phillips, also critically injured, was transported to a Huntington Beach hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In honor of Officer Phillips, flags were flown at half-staff in the City of Westminister and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered the American and State Flags that fly over the Capitol to half-staff in honor of the fallen officer.

Steven Phillips was a native Californian, born in Los Angeles and educated there. Destined to serve his country and his community, upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for four years a military policeman. Upon completion of his tour of duty he remained as an active reservist in the 30th Security Forces Squadron. Following the events of September 11, 2001 he was called back to active duty and served with distinction for another year. Having a strong desire to serve his community, on August 5, 1986 he embarked on his career as a police officer in the City of Westminister.

Office Phillips will be remembered by his fellow officers as “a quick-witted, easy going individual, who loved being a motor officer”. One of his fellow officers, Bill Arganda, described him as being “very experienced and extremely well liked. He made the job fun and he was a good spirited, great guy”. Steve was the recipient of numerous commendations for outstanding, professional service to the community. He was highly respected for his 12 years as a motor officer, mentoring and training younger officers, instilling in them the same passion for the job that he possessed.

On the morning of February 6 more than 2,000 uniformed peace officers representing jurisdictions statewide joined members of the Phillips family, civic leaders and fellow officers at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove to honor and memorialize an outstanding peace officer, a great American.

Westminister Chief of Police Andy Hall eulogized Steven Phillips as “a man who was faithful and true to his country, his marriage, the shield he wore so proudly, his friends and his fellow employees. His is truly a good life to celebrate”.

Attorney General Bill Lockyer was once again in attendance offering condolences on behalf of the people of California.

Officer Phillips is survived by his wife Sandy, his father and two brothers.

The Phillips family asked that any contributions in remembrance of Steven be made to the Steve Phillips Memorial Fund, WPOA, and P.O. Box 845, Westminister, CA 92684.

On the morning of December 30, 2003, on a remote stretch of U. S. Highway 395 in Inyo County, the California Highway Patrol lost its fourth officer in the line of duty during the year.

Officer Paul H. Pino, a 48 year-old, 23-year veteran of the CHP, was parked on the highway shoulder writing a citation to the operator of a truck that he had stopped, when a late model SUV, driven by Carley M. Crystal, 20, of San Diego veered onto the shoulder at a high rate of speed, striking Pino’s patrol car in the rear, driving the vehicle forward, coming to rest under the bed of the truck that had been stopped.

Officer Pino, suffering massive injuries, was being airlifted to Loma Vista Hospital when he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.

Carley Crystal, the driver of the SUV involved, suffered only minor injuries and was booked for vehicular manslaughter, suspected of driving under the influence. Two male companions, traveling with Carley Crystal, were injured but will survive.

CHP Sgt. Richard Underwood, one of Pino’s supervisors remembered Pino as an outstanding, committed officer, with an exceptional work ethic, “If a call for assistance went out, he was always the first one out the door. If you needed him he was there”.

In memory and honor of Officer Pino, Governor Schwarzenegger ordered the flags flown over the State Capitol to half staff and issued the following statement: “I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Officer Pino. It is a tragedy when an officer is lost in the line of duty while protecting the residents of this great state”.

Paul Pino was born in The Hague, Holland and came to this country as a youngster . He attended school in the Carson area, Los Angeles County, graduated from Carson High School and later received an Associate of Arts Degree in Police Science from Harbor Community College.

Obviously attracted to a career in law enforcement he entered the CHP academy on August 25, 1980. Upon graduation from the CHP Academy on January 1, 1981 he was assigned to the South Los Angeles Area office. He later transferred to the Bishop area where he retired due to an injury. He worked hard to rehabilitate himself and recover from his injury and was reinstated to the job that he loved, returning to the Bishop area.

On Saturday afternoon, January 3, several hundred mourners, including family members, members of the community, fellow CHP officers and peace officers from a multitude of jurisdictions gathered inside and out of the Santa Rosa Catholic Church in Lone Pine, to pay their final respects to a man who was respected and loved by all.

CHP Commissioner Spike Helmick eulogized Officer Pino as “one of those career officers that exemplify everything that is good about the California Highway Patrol. They aggressively seek out assignments in the rural, lesser-populated areas of the State and identify strongly with the community that they serve and where they reside. They patrol the loneliest beats in the State, with courage and pride, and do an outstanding job. Officers like Paul Pino are the backbone of this organization”.

Officer Paul Pino is survived by his wife Carol and daughters Jennifer Pino-Olin, 24, Elizabeth, 22, Patricia, 21, and Alexandra, 15.

For those desiring to assist the family, the “Paul Pino Memorial Fund” has been established at the El Dorado Savings Bank, 400 N. Main St., P.O. Box 67, Lone Pine, CA 93545.

On the afternoon of November 19, the California Highway Patrol suffered the line of duty loss of their third officer during 2003.

Officer Dean Beattie, 46 years old, a 24 year veteran of the CHP was operating his motorcycle on routine patrol when he collided with a slow moving truck. The officer suffered massive head injuries, was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital where all efforts to save him failed.

CHP Commissioner Spike Helmick, who flew to San Diego, said “Beattie’s death was one of those tragic incidents that couldn’t be explained. He was a good rider, an experienced rider who spent much of his 24 year career in the San Diego area riding motors”.

Beattie became the third motor officer in the San Diego area to lose his life in the line of duty in recent months. Earlier in the year, San Diego P.D. Motor Officers Gerald Griffin and Terry Bennett had lost their lives. Veteran San Diego P.D. Motor Officer Tom Simonds, P.O.R.A.C. Memorial Committee Chairman, was especially touched by the losses, “Gerald Griffin and Terry Bennett were members of my unit, and Dean Beattie was a neighbor of mine in Ramona. Motor Officers enjoy a special camaraderie that transcends all others. When we lose one of our own it is truly like losing a member of our own family”.

Dean Edward Beattie was born in Alexandria, Virginia on August 16, 1957.

Upon graduation from high school, Dean chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Marine Corps where his time in the service took him to Hawaii for a tour of duty. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the military, Dean chose to continue on a career of public service. On November 19, 1979, 22 year old cadet Dean Beattie entered the California Highway Patrol Academy. His first duty assignment was the San Diego office. During his 24 year career Dean served in several offices, but always had a special bond with the San Diego area. his final transfer occurred in 2000, when he reported back to the San Diego area office.

Despite the stressful demands of life as a CHP officer, Dean never lost his sense of humor and love of the South where he grew up. Dean had recently purchased land in the hills of Tennessee where he planned to retire and frequently kidded about becoming a “Hillbilly”.

Dean’s two loves in life were Rosa, his wife of nearly six years, and their blended family. He was a loving father to Farrah, 19, Brett, 17, Cindy, 17, Annelise, 13, Amanda, 12, And Tawny, 10. Dean was a committed Christian who enjoyed his relationship with Jesus Christ. Dean and Rosa’s church, Calvary Chapel, Ramona, played a vital role in their lives where they were in charge of the church’s nursery. When not busy with church and community related activities, Dean enjoyed taking the family on camping trips.

Whether at home or at work, Dean’s constant smile, positive attitude, and vibrant sense of humor won him the love and respect not only of his family and peers, but of all who came in contact with him throughout the years. A loving father, devoted Christian, caring officer and friend, Dean Beattie provided a legacy of professionalism, humor, and love of life rarely matched and never surpassed.

On Monday morning, November 24, peace officers from a multitude of jurisdictions formed a motorcade leading from Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego to the Marantha Chapel in Rancho Bernardo, where several thousand family members, friends and peace officers had gathered to honor the memory of Dean Beattie.

Contributions to the Beattie family may be made through the San Diego office of the California Highway Patrol.

The Burbank Police Department had not lost an officer in the line of duty by gunfire for more than eighty-three years. On the evening of November 15 that all changed. Veteran Officer Gregory Campbell had stopped a newer Cadillac Escalade SUV, without license plates, containing two males. The area where the stop was made was well known for drug trafficking and other criminal activity, so Campbell wisely called for backup.

The first officer to respond was 26 year old Matthew Pavelka, who had been in the field as a police officer for just ten months. When Campbell and Pavelka approached the suspect vehicle and ordered the two male subjects to exit the vehicle, they both alighted firing automatic weapons. Both Campbell And Pavelka were wounded several times, but in the ensuing exchange of gun fire the officers mortally wounded one of the gunmen, 25 year old Ramon Aranda. The other suspect, later identified as 19 year old David A. Garcia escaped on foot.

Both of the wounded officers were transported to a local hospital, where Officer Pavelka died during surgery and Officer Campbell was treated and remained in critical but stable condition.

A massive, multi-agency manhunt was mounted for the fleeing suspect, David A. Garcia. In the process a number of Garcia’s family and fellow gang member’s were arrested and detained, charged with harboring and assisting a fugitive felon.

On Thanksgiving morning, November 27, based on information received, Garcia was taken into custody by the Mexican police in Tia Juana. He was turned over to the American authorities at the border, booked and charged with capital murder of a police officer, making him eligible for the death penalty. At a press conference, following Garcia’s arrest, L.A. District Attorney Steve Cooley stated “when it comes to murdering one of our police officers, we don’t forgive, we don’t forget, and we don’t surrender”.

Compounding the tragic death of Officer Matthew Pavelka, is the fact that he is survived by his father, Michael Pavelka, a 29-year veteran detective of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Matthew Pavelka was remembered by more than one of his fellow officers as a charming, light-hearted 26-year-old, with a crown of spiky orange hair, who loved being a cop.

There never was a question as to the career path that Matthew would follow. After high school he joined the Air Force, only because he was too young to enroll in a police academy. He served for five years as a Military Policeman, received an Associate of Arts degree in criminal justice and was intent on further pursuing his education in his chosen field.

On Friday morning, November 20, memorial services for Officer Matthew Pavelka were conducted at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. In attendance, in addition to family and friends, were several thousand peace officers from a myriad of jurisdictions. Our new Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was there attending his first memorial services for a California peace officer who had laid down his life in the line of duty. Also attending was our Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who has attended virtually all of the memorial services for our fallen heroes during his five-year tenure as Attorney General.

Officer Pavelka is survived by his father Michael and his mother Sue Pavelka.

On Sunday morning, November 2, the mountain community of Weaverville, and the County of Trinity, with its fewer than 14,000 residents, was shocked and deeply saddened with the loss of one of its California Highway Patrol officers assigned to the Weaverville office.

Officer Robert Coulter, a 39 year old, 14 year veteran of the California Highway Patrol was discovere4d by a brother officer lying in the front seat of his assigned patrol vehicle parked in the CHP office parking lot. Coulter had obviously suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

A follow-up investigation by the CHP and Trinity County Sheriff’s Department concluded that Officer Coulter had apparently been positioning his assigned shot gun in the locking device located in the front seat of his patrol vehicle when the shot gun accidentally fired, pellets striking Coulter and killing him instantly.

The loss of a peace officer under any circumstance is always a tragic event. In a small, tight knit community like Weaverville, where everyone knows everyone else on a first name basis and locally assigned peace officers are considered to be members of the family, the loss becomes much more personal and the trauma is magnified ten-fold.

Sgt. Steve Howard, Coulter’s direct supervisor, who described himself as Coulter’s “Den Dad”, praised Coulter as being “the epitomy of what a peace officer should be, he was outgoing, friendly and loved being a highway patrolman”. Kelly Coulter, Rob’s wife described him as her “social butterfly”, never too busy to stop and talk to people. If he saw a kid that he thought might be in trouble he would not hesitate to stop and ask, “hey, are you on the right path?”

Further attesting to Officer Coulter’s public relations skills is his personnel file, which contains a volume of letters from grateful citizens commending him for his help and assistance.

Rob Coulter obviously set his sights on becoming a peace officer at an early age. In high school he was actively engaged in the schools “Police Explorer program” and upon graduation from high school he served for five years in the military as a military policeman. Upon discharge from the military he immediately pursued his dream of becoming a California Highway Patrolman. He began his career in the Department he loved on December 21, 1989.

On the afternoon of November 7, an over-flow gathering of peace officers, family and friends crowded the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Weaverville to offer a final farewell to Rob Coulter.

Reverend Bill Gillis, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Redding described Coulter as “a fun loving man who never met a stranger. He was the kind of Patrolman who believed not only in saving lives, but enriching them”. CHP Commissioner Spike Helmick praised Officer Coulter As “a perfect fit for the community that he served. He loved the mountains, the rural setting and the people that resided there, and the people loved him”.

Officer Coulter is survived by his wife Kelly and his two young children, ages 10 and 14.

On September 21, California law enforcement suffered its fourth line of duty death of a motor officer during year 2003. Corporal Tyler M. Pinchot became the thirteenth officer in the state to lay down his life during the year, while he was serving and protecting the residents of Buena Park.

On the afternoon of June 13, 2003, Motor Officer Corporal Pinchot was assigned to traffic enforcement detail in his city and was pursuing a traffic violator when he was accidentally struck from the rear by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The Corporal suffered major injuries to his head and other areas of his body. He was airlifted to the UCI Medical Center in Orange in critical condition and remained at that facility in a coma until his death on September 21.

Tyler M. Pinchot was born to be a cop. At the tender age of nineteen he served as a Police Cadet in his hometown of Garden Grove. He also served as Community Service Officer in that city until 1980, when he paid his own way through the Golden West Police Academy. Now qualified to become a full-fledged peace officer, a twenty-two year old Tyler M. Pinchot was hired as a police officer in the City of Buena Park. For the next twenty-three years this forty-five year old “natural” had an outstanding career serving the community he loved. He worked as a patrol officer, traffic investigator and for the last nine years he was a motor officer. Attesting to his outstanding performance, Pinchot’s personnel file bulges with more than 123 commendations and letters of appreciation praising the quality of his work, his caring and empathetic attitude, his kindness, and his willingness to do whatever he could to help others. Supporting his reputation of excellence, Pinchot was selected as the Buena Park “Police Officer of the year” for both years 1991 and 1992. He is the only officer in the history of the Department to win this prestigious award in two consecutive years.

Corporal Pinchot was admired and respected by each and every member of the Buena Park Police Department. His performance and reputation as an outstanding teacher, leader and mentor enhanced an already enviable image. Richard Tefank, who recently retired as the Chief of Police in Buena Park, remembered Tyler Pinchot as “a police chief’s dream, the consummate professional in every respect”.

On Thursday morning, September 25, 200 motorcycle officers rode through the streets of Buena Park, their red and blue lights flashing as they led an equal number of black and white police vehicles. In the middle of the procession was a navy blue S.W.A.T. vehicle, not carrying tactical weapons, but a casket and the remains of a fallen comrade, Corporal Tyler M. Pinchot.

The motorcade made its’ way to the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove where more than 2,000 relatives, friends, co-workers And peace officers, representing a multitude of jurisdictions, had gathered to pay their respects.

California Attorney General Bill Lockyer was once again in attendance and eulogized Pinchot as “a gentle giant and outstanding public servant”. Buena Park Police Chief Gary Hicken praised Pinchot as “the real thing; a police officer totally committed to helping others”.

Following the services at the Crystal Cathedral Corporal Tyler M. Pinchot was laid to rest on the hillside of Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. In an expression of what Tyler would have wanted a replica of his badge was engraved on the cover of his casket.

Corporal Tyler M. Pinchot is survived by his wife, Susie Snider-Pinchot, three stepchildren, his mother and father, two brothers and three sisters.

Contributions in memory of Corporal Pinchot may be sent to: Buena Park Police Association – Tyler M. Pinchot Memorial Fund, P. O. Box 579, Buena Park, CA 90621.

A pickup truck pulling a trailer loaded with gardening equipment, making an illegal left turn, and being operated by a person under the influence, proved to be a fatal combination for a young California Highway Patrol Motor Officer.

On the afternoon of August 27, CHP Motor Officer Shannon Distel, assigned to the Riverside office, was on duty in the unincorporated area south of the City of Riverside, when a pickup truck pulling a trailer, suddenly, and without warning negotiated an illegal left turn in his path. Unable to take evasive action and avoid a collision, Distel’s motorcycle ended up wedged between the truck and trailer, catapulting Distel into the air more than 150 feet.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene within minutes and attempted to resuscitate the fallen officer, to no avail. Officer Distel was transported to the Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. At the hospital, CHP Captain Mike Bair and more than a dozen of Distel’s fellow officers arrived offering comfort and support to the officers wife and family.

The driver of the pickup truck, 31 year old Riverside resident Miguel Martin and his two passengers were not injured in the accident, but Martin was later arrested and booked for driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

In keeping with tradition, Governor Davis ordered the flags atop the State Capitol be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officer and issued the following statement: “This incident underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while they are on the job protecting us all. On behalf of all Californians, Sharon and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer Distel’s family and friends”.

On Saturday, August 30, a well attended Candlelight Vigil was held in honor of the fallen officer.

On Wednesday morning, September 3, an over-flow attendance of several hundred family members, friends, community leaders and peace officers from a multitude of jurisdictions statewide gathered to pay their final respect to Officer Distel at the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Riverside.

California Attorney General Bill Lockyer was once again in attendance offering condolences on behalf of all of the people of the state.

California Highway Patrol Commissioner Spike Helmick eulogized Shannon Distel as “a dedicated, outstanding officer, taken from us too soon”.

Perhaps the most emotional portion of the memorial services was the reading of a letter written by Distel’s nine year old daughter Brionna, “Two days ago I thought I saw your face in the clouds”, she wrote and expressed the concerns of a young lady who undoubtedly was finding the loss of her Dad too bewildering and his importance in her daily life irreplaceable, “the family will now have to figure out how to clean the pool and use the barbecue”.

Officer Shannon Distel is survived by his wife Deanna, his nine year old daughter Brionna, a new five month old son Brody, and two young step children Savannah Wetherbee and Tucker Wetherbee.

Any donations to assist the family may be sent to Deanna Distel at the Riverside CHP office, 8118 Lincoln Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504.

On the afternoon of August 2, Deputy Sorensen, assigned as a Resident Deputy in the unincorporated area East of the City of Palmdale, responded to a trespassing call near the community of Llano. A short time later a citizen reported hearing several gun shots in the same area. Responding Deputies located Sorensen’s radio car, but did not immediately locate Sorensen. A search of the area was initiated and Sorensen’s body with a fatal gun shot wound to the upper torso was located several hundred yards away from his radio car. Prior to the confrontation that took his life, Sorensen did radio in a description and license number of a vehicle at the scene of the trespassing call. The vehicle was registered to a Donald Charles Kueck, 52, who had a lengthy criminal record, including arrests for resisting arrest and assault on a peace officer.

The vehicle described by Sorensen was found 2 1/2 miles from the crime scene and a massive manhunt was initiated in an attempt to locate Donald Kueck the registered owner of the vehicle. On Sunday, the day following the slaying of Deputy Sorensen, more than 100 investigators and volunteers using helicopters, horses and dogs searched a 15 square-mile area for clues. Although Kueck was not located, investigators did find chemicals “consistent with manufacturing methamphetamine” in the area.

On August 8th, Kueck was located at his residence, where he engaged deputies in a fire fight. Tear gas was fired into the house, setting the house on fire and burning it to the ground. A burned corpse was located in the ashes, later identified as the remains of Kueck. Prior to the fire fight, Kueck admitted in a phone call to investigators that he had shot and killed Deputy Sorensen.

Deputy Sorensen, a 12 year veteran of the Sheriff’s department had previously been employed by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and had worked in a number of assignments within the Sheriff’s Department before being assigned as a resident deputy in the East Palmdale area. He became the third Los Angeles County deputy sheriff to die in the line of duty during the last two years.

Sorensen was remembered by more than one member of the community he served; on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as a dedicated, involved member of the community, always involved in school and sports activities. A member of the local school district board described him as “the backbone of the community, always doing what was right”.

Captain Carl Deeley, Sorensen’s Station Commander had high praise for “a man and his family who lived the job 24 hours a day, in a remote and dangerous area, dealing with outlaw bikers, gang members and a variety of people”. “He was like the original beat cop. He walked the beat and everybody knew him”, Captain Deeley said. “If a kid was truant, he knew where the kid was and where he was supposed to be”.

On Thursday morning, August 7, Memorial Services for Deputy Stephen D. Sorensen were conducted at the Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster. Members of the Sorensen family, community leaders and fellow deputies were joined by over 3,000 mourners representing a myriad of jurisdictions paying their final respects.

Deputy Sorensen is survived by his wife Christine, an adult son, and an adopted 2 year old son.

Sheriff’s Relief Fund #304 has been established for persons wishing to make a donation to the Sorensen family.

A native son of San Francisco, Brian Olcomendy was born in 1959.  He attended St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco City College, where he starred on the soccer team, and San Diego State University.  Olcomendy joined the San Francisco Police Department in 1982. He patrolled from the Central, Potrero and Park stations before being promoted to an inspector in the narcotics bureau in 1999.

On July 26, 2003, Inspector Brian Olcomendy passed away as the result of complications from surgery required after he injured his knee during a “buy/bust” narcotics operation.  He is survived by his wife Andrea, and three children; Frank, Kristin, and Melissa, as well as his mother Pat, and sisters Elaine, Teresa, Yvonne, and Nicole and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, the Honorable J. Dominique Olcomendy of the San Francisco Superior Court.

Inspector Olcomendy was a decorated member of the SFPD held in high regard. He was an active member of the Board of Directors of the SFPOA; a member of the California Narcotics Officers Association and the San Francisco Bay Area Law Enforcement Emerald Society.  He was the commissioner of the Police Softball League, a member of the Park Islanders, and a Silver Medal member of the S.F. Police Soccer Club.  Described as, “generous to a fault,” Inspector Olcomendy also helped coordinate the SFPD campaign for “Buzz the Fuzz”, a charity that grants wishes to terminally ill children.