What started as a pursuit of a stolen vehicle in downtown San Diego just after noon on June 26, ended a few minutes later, when the driver of the stolen flat bed truck purposely ran over San Diego P.D. Motor Officer Terry Bennett. Bennett was airlifted to a local hospital where he died a short time later. Bennett had just celebrated his 38th birthday and was a 13-year veteran of the police department.

Kevin Williams, the 37-year old ex-convict driver of the stolen vehicle that had run over Officer Bennett was arrested in a nearby residential area where he ditched the stolen vehicle and was attempting to escape on foot. Williams was well known to the local police, having spent most of his life in and out of jail and prison. He was last released from prison on February 25. Williams was booked on suspicion of murder, along with other lesser charges.

Bennett’s tragic and untimely death was being mourned citywide by members of the police department and the official city family. Motor Squad Supervisor Lt. Greg Drilling said that “Bennett’s death was like losing a loved one. You have two families when you’re in law enforcement – your own family and the people you work with”. San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy expressed regret over the police departments latest loss, which he called “doubly painful” since it came so soon after the death of San Diego P.D. Motor Officer Gerald Griffin just two months ago. “Everyday, the men and women of the San Diego Police Department risk their lives to protect us. So when we lose an officer, it’s a tragedy for all of us”.

Motor Officer Terry Bennett, a nine-year veteran of the Motor Squad enjoyed an enviable reputation for his skills on motors. Earlier in the month he and his partner had won the team championship in a skills competition among motorcycle officers in San Diego County.

If Terry Bennett cherished anything more than motors, it was most certainly his family; wife Michelle and his two young sons, Brennan, 8 and Connor, 4. Every possible moment away from the police department was spent with the family in planned activities.

Memorial services for Officer Terry Bennett were conducted on the morning of July 2 at the College Avenue Baptist Church in San Diego. Interment followed at El Camino Memorial Park. Our Attorney General Bill Lockyer was again present expressing

Regrets on behalf of his fellow Californians. He was joined by hundreds of uniformed officers from countless jurisdictions who had come to pay their respects to a fallen comrade and demonstrate their support to the Bennett family.

The San Diego Police Officers’ Association has established a fund honoring Terry Bennett and his survivors; wife Michelle and his two young sons, Brennan and Connor. Donations can be made by sending a check payable to the San Diego Police Officers’ Association, “The Bennett Fund”, at 8388 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA 92111-2109.

On the evening of June 25, veteran Los Angeles Police Department Detectives Abiel Barron and his long time partner Andy Teague were returning home after conducting an investigation and interviewing a witness in one of the many unsolved murder cases assigned to them.

In a remote, rural area of San Bernardino County, the police vehicle in which they were passengers was struck head-on by another vehicle attempting to pass a tractor trailer, crossing into the oncoming traffic lane and colliding with the police vehicle.

Detective Barron was killed instantly and pronounced dead at the scene. His partner, Detective Andy Teague was airlifted to the Loma Linda University Medical Facility suffering from massive injuries and remained in critical condition. The driver of the other vehicle, 50 year old Joe Albino Fernandez, who was also hospitalized with serious injuries, was being arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, after his attempted dangerous and unlawful passing of another vehicle resulted in the death of Detective Barron.

Detectives Barron and Teague, both 49 years old, had followed virtually identical career paths in the Los Angeles Police Department. As rookies, both had worked the “mean streets” of South Central Los Angeles. Upon being promoted into the rank of detective, they were assigned to work together on gang cases in both Newton Division and Northeast Division.

Colleagues, both inside and outside the Department that they both dearly loved, described both men as “outspoken, hard-nosed cops dedicated and talented”. Newton Division Homicide Detective Rich Arsenega, who was stunned by the news of the death of Barron, remembered him as a “hard-working cop who chose to work the toughest investigations in the toughest neighborhoods”. Arsenega recalled that Barron had a sharp wit, and after volunteering for an unusually tough assignment, he might ask “why are they always picking on me?”

Members of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Division, who prosecuted several of the gang related murder cases that Barron and Teague had investigated described both men as “true professionals and gentlemen”.

Assistant Police Chief Jim McDonnell, when informed of the tragedy, stated “It’s a major blow to the organization” and described both officers as “hard working, solid homicide detectives”. Commander Jim Tatreau said that Detective Abiel Barron was “a good cop, well liked by everyone”. There can be little doubt that this 19 year veteran police officer will be sorely missed by his colleagues, many friends, family and Los Angeles Police Department.

Memorial services were conducted on July 3 at the Sky Rose Chapel, Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier. In attendance were several hundred uniformed peace officers, countless marked police vehicles, dignitaries representing the State, County and City of Los Angeles, all joining in offering their condolences to the Barron family.

Detective Barron is survived by his wife Ann Marie and his teenage daughter Lauren.

A trust fund to benefit Mrs. Barron and Lauren, the “Abe Barron Blue Ribbon Trust Account” has been established. Contributions can be mailed to Officer Holly Capra, LAPD Employee Assistance Unit, 977 No. Broadway, Suite 409, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Just before midnight on June 23, Inglewood Police Department Motor Officer “Fred” Small was eastbound on the 60 Freeway in Los Angeles County. Unexpectedly, a 16-year old girl traveling in the same direction, two lanes away, lost control of her vehicle, collided with a vehicle in the lane next to her, sending both vehicles crashing into Smalls’ police motorcycle.

Officer Small sustained major injuries, was transported to the Pomona Valley Hospital, where he died a short time later. One of the two men in the second car sustained minor, non-life threatening injuries. The 16-year old driver of the car that had caused the accident and her passenger were uninjured.

“Fred” Small was only the third Inglewood police officer to die in the line of duty in the long, ninety-five year history of the Department.

39-year-old Inglewood P.D. Officer “Fred” Small was laid to rest July 1 at the Manchester Gardens Mausoleum in the Inglewood Park Cemetery. Memorial services preceding internment held at the Crenshaw Christian Center was attended by several hundred peace officers representing jurisdictions statewide. He was eulogized as “a gentle giant of a man. An excellent police officer, a loving husband and father”. The state’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Attorney General Bill Lockyer was in attendance offering condolences on behalf of the people of California.

Inglewood Police Chief Ronald Banks remembered “Fred” Small as “a unique individual, fun-loving, with a host of friends”. “Fred” once joked that he wanted to be the Chief’s chauffeur, but if that was not available he would settle for being a motorcycle patrolman, as a second choice. The Chief expressed the sentiments of “Fred’s” fellow officers when he said “we will miss “Fred” dearly, and never forget his coming to the Department. “Fred” went too soon.

John Frederick Lee “Fred” Small was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was an outstanding high school athlete and won a football scholarship to the University of Washington. He was a stand out on great University of Washington football teams of 1981-84 and earned All-Pacific-10 Conference Honors in his senior season. He also played on the Huskies’ championship teams in the 1982 Rose Bowl and the 1985 Orange Bowl.

In 1985, following his four great years at the University of Washington, “Fred” was drafted to play in the National Football League by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was later traded and played three more years for the San Francisco Forty-niners and the Atlanta Falcons.

In 1989, California law enforcement had the good fortune to have “Fred” Small join its’ ranks. “Fred” served briefly with the Westminster Police Department and the Los Angeles Community College Police Departments before joining the Inglewood Police Department on May 25, 1998. He had found his niche as a motor officer.

“Fred” Small was only 39 years old and had served just five years in the job he truly loved when the tragic events of the night of June 23 took him from us and his beloved family. He leaves his wife Robin and his four young children, Jamal, Eliese, Jasmine and Jada.

A fund has been established to assist the small family. Donations can be sent to “Children of Fred Small Foundation”, C/O ICE at P.O. Box 6500, Inglewood, CA 90301.

What began as a routine traffic stop on the afternoon of June 13, in the City of Oceanside, ended in the shooting death of one of the city’s fine young police officers.

Twenty-seven year old Tony Zeppetella, who had been with the Department just thirteen months was shot and mortally wounded by his assailant, Adrian George Camacho, a 30 year old known gang member, following a routine traffic stop.

After wounding the officer several times, Camacho left the scene in the officers’ police vehicle, abandoning it near a relative’s residence, where he forced entry and took refuge.

More than 50 law enforcement units from surrounding jurisdictions, including helicopters and the California Highway Patrol, converged on the scene. His place of refuge surrounded, Camacho surrendered after a four-hour standoff. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg, apparently the result of gunfire returned at the scene by Zeppetella.

Camacho was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and charged with the murder of a peace officer.

Oceanside Police Chief Mike Poehlman offered high praise of the Oceanside citizens and members of the U.S. Marine Corps who had witnessed the shooting, administering CPR to the fallen officer prior to the arrival of the paramedics, and gave special recognition to the young lady who picked up the microphone of the radio in the abandoned police vehicle and gave the Communications Center a description of the fleeing suspect and his route of escape.

At the scene of the shooting Officer Zeppetella was given emergency fist aid and air lifted to the Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, where he succumbed to multiple gun shot wounds.

Departmental records indicate that Tony Zeppetella was the first Oceanside P.D. officer to die in the line of duty in nearly 87 years. On

September 24, 1916, City Marshall John E. Mugan was fatally shot while on duty.

Following the death of Officer Zeppetella, Chief Poehlman assembled the men and women of his department to congratulate them on the speedy apprehension of Camacho, and recalled a conversation with Zeppetella the day that he was sworn in as a new police officer. He had told the Chief that “it has been my life long dream to become a police officer”.

On Friday morning, June 20, funeral services for Tony Zeppetella were held at the New Venture Christian Fellowship in Oceanside. Typical of police funerals, and appropriately, there were several hundred peace officers in attendance, representing a multitude of agencies statewide. In addition to fellow law enforcement officers, a number of local dignitaries were in attendance. Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the States’ Chief Law Enforcement Officer, was once again in attendance offering condolences on behalf of the people of California. Officer Zeppetella was to be laid to rest at a later date in Paso Robles, California.

Officer Tony Zeppetella is survived by his wife Jamie and his infant son Jacob, parents Tony and Renate Zeppetella, brother George and sister Renate

The Oceanside Police Officers’ Association has established a memorial fund for the Zeppetella family at the Oceanside Branch of the Washington Mutual Bank. Donations may be made to the “OPOA Tony Zeppetella Memorial Fund” at any Washington Mutual Branch.

He could not have seen it coming. It was totally unexpected. A teen-age driver of a stolen vehicle, with his pregnant teen-age girl friend by his side, being pursued at a high rate of speed by Sanger police struck his unmarked police vehicle broadside on the drivers side, fatally injuring Fresno Co. Deputy Sheriff Joshua C. Lancaster. He died at a local hospital on May 29, 2003. He had just celebrated his 27th birthday on May 10, 2003.

Tragically, for the third time in less than two years, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department had lost a valued member of the Department in the line of duty.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, nineteen year old Augustine A. Zapata, who suffered major injuries, was booked by proxy charging three counts of murder. In addition to Deputy Lancaster, Zapata’s teen-age girlfriend and her unborn baby also died in the crash.

Sheriff Richard Pierce described Lancaster as a “shining star” in the Department. The young Deputy had prepared himself well for a career in law enforcement. He had earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Bakersfield Community College, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fresno State University majoring in criminology, where he met his bride to be, Heather.

Prior to entering the Sheriff’s Department in April, 2001, he had served as an investigator in the Fresno County District Attorney’s office.

Attesting to his professional competence on the job, in his short two-year tenure with the Department, he had been promoted to the rank of Deputy III and assigned as a Detective, investigating robbery and burglary complaints.

On a truly sad note, the young couple had been scheduled to move into their newly purchased home on May 29, 2003, the same day that Lancaster had died.

Typical of the camaraderie that exists in law enforcement, Lancaster’s fellow deputies responded in large numbers, consoling Heather and moving her into her new home.

On the morning of June 4, memorial services for Deputy Lancaster were conducted at the People’s Church in Fresno. In addition to Governor Gray Davis, Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante and Attorney General Bill Lockyer, joining family members, local and State dignitaries, brother and sister deputies, were several hundred peace officers representing a myriad of agencies statewide.

During the services for Lancaster, Sheriff Pierce said “that on occasion a price is paid for freedoms that society takes for granted. That price is painful because bad things happen to great people. Joshua Lancaster was a great Deputy Sheriff”.

Deputy Lancaster was remembered by others who were close to him as one who “often, joked with other deputies and helped everyone enjoy the job a little more, he was a good, fun-loving guy”. His training officer and supervisors described him as “Professional and Dedicated”.

Sheriff Pierce echoed the sentiments of everyone in the Department who had known Deputy Joshua C. Lancaster; “you will be missed, but never forgotten”.

Deputy Lancaster is survived by his bride of one year, Heather.

For the second time in less than two months the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department suffered the loss of one of its finest in the line of duty.

On the morning of May 13, Deputy Sheriff Bruce K. Lee responded to a disturbing the peace call in the City of La Quinta, a city policed under contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Upon arrival at the scene Deputy Lee was confronted by a mentally disturbed twenty-four year old Kevin Diablo, who was known to have had prior difficulties with the law. In attempting to question and reason with Diablo, a physical encounter ensued, in which Diablo was able to secure Deputy Lee’s police baton. Now, armed with the baton, Diablo inflicted several severe blows to the head and neck of Deputy Lee, resulting in massive trauma. Lee was transported to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, then on to the trauma unit at the Desert Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A back-up deputy, responding to Lee’s call for assistance arrived at the scene and observed Lee’s motionless body lying on the ground. The back-up deputy was immediately confronted by Kevin Diablo still brandishing the police baton in a menacing manner. When Diablo ignored a command to drop the baton and continued to advance toward the deputy in a threatening manner, the deputy fired his service weapon, mortally wounding Diablo. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The funeral and memorial services for Deputy Lee were attended by more than two thousand peace officers representing a multitude of jurisdictions from throughout the state, virtually every member of his own Department, in addition to numerous dignitaries representing cities, counties and the State of California. Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the State’s Chief Law Enforcement officer was once again in attendance, speaking and offering condolences to the Lee family on behalf of the people of California.

Riverside County Sheriff Bob Doyle expressed his sentiments, saying “Bruce was not only a fine deputy sheriff but he was one of our family. His law enforcement family and the community he served will miss him greatly.

Deputy Lee will be missed but not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow Patricia and all his family”.

Sheriff Doyle’s remarks were echoed by Lee’s supervisor, Captain John Horton, who recalled Lee’s infectious smile and enthusiasm for the job, noting that Lee bypassed promotions because he enjoyed being a deputy. “Bruce became a perfect model for every new deputy”, Horton added in his praise of Lee.

Ron Henderson, Lee’s close friend delivered the eulogy and thanked Patsy, Lee’s wife “for sharing Bruce with everyone”.

Ironically, May 19, the day of Lee’s funeral was his birthday. He would have been 46 years old.

Bruce Lee’s attraction to law enforcement was sparked in 1968, when as an 11-year-old, he watched an Inglewood police officer arrest a man for stealing a car and attempting to steal gasoline from Lee’s father’s service station. Years later, Lee was partnered with that same Inglewood policeman’s son, Michael Manning.

Deputy Bruce K. Lee was a 22-year veteran of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, having joined the Department on September 2, 1980.

Deputy Lee is survived by his wife of nine years, Patricia, his mother, father, and a sister.

Those who may wish to make a donation to the Lee family may do so by sending them to the following address:

Lee Family
C/0 Riverside Sheriff’s Association
11-99 Relief Foundation
6215 River Crest Drive, Suite A
Riverside, CA 92507

More than 1,500 mostly law enforcement officers gathered at the First United Methodist Church in San Diego Thursday, May 1, to honor San Diego Officer Gerald K. Griffin who died on Friday, April 25.

A vehicle struck Griffin, 42, April 15 when he stepped into the street to wave over the driver for speeding. He and other officers were using hand-held laser guns to detect the speed of passing cars. Then they would flag down the drivers and issue citations.

Accident investigators said the driver, Heather Shumway, 22, apparently didn’t see Griffin until it was too late. He was knocked into the car windshield and suffered massive head injuries, broken legs and internal injuries. He was hospitalized and died 11 days later when he was taken off life support at the hospital.

During a eulogy at his funeral service one of Griffin’s friends said, “He was my best friend. Jerry had many ‘best friends’ because he had a quality about him that made you feel that you were truly special to him. But, I only had one best friend – Jerry.”

Another speaker, San Diego motor Officer Bryan Young, told the group of mourners, “The last time I spoke to Jerry was on the phone at lunch. I was to pick him up after work and then we would go pick up a Jeep Jerry was going to use until he found a car.

“A little after 2 p.m. I received the worst call of my life. My best friend, partner, someone who was a part of my life and my family, had been struck by a car and was not expected to make it.

“Jerry was, and remains special to my family and to me. Sometimes, I find myself lonely, riding to and from work, looking over to see that Jerry is no longer riding to my right. I am a better person having known him.”

Officer Dona Loshonkohl said, “Jerry was a sensitive, caring and affectionate man. People know that Jerry was a man of conviction who always tried to do the right thing. What some may not know is that he drew inspiration from nature; he loved flowers. He was devoted to his friends and his daughter Ashley. I was Jerry’s princess, and he was my pillar of strength.

“Jerry lived his life trying to make each moment count. Some viewed him as a free spirit. Dozens of times over the past year, Jerry told me, ‘Life is short. Eat your sweets, but make sure you go to the gym to work it off.’”

Carlsbad Police Officer Keith Blackburn, Griffin’s weightlifting partner, remembers: “Most people know what a big part of Jerry’s life weightlifting was. Jerry, in fact, really was a champion who was always a favorite to win first place in his weight divisions; and occasionally won ‘Best Overall Lifter’ for the entire competition.

“One of his strongest competitions was the International Police and Fire Olympics in 1988. With three judges critically watching his execution of the lifts, he successfully squatted 562 pounds, bench pressed 358 pounds, and dead-lifted 584 pounds, earning him the title of ‘Third in the World’ for his weight class.

“Life, especially in the gym, will be a little less exciting and a whole lot weaker without Jerry.”

San Diego Police Department Chaplain Ralph Buchanan, who says he has gotten to know the motor officers quite well and they share a special camaraderie, wrote, “Jerry loved everyone in his life in the way he felt he should.

“Because of this love, you could tell his roommates, partners, family and friends, would never forget his love of life.”

Griffin joined the San Diego Police Department in 1986. His assignments included the protection unit for Mayor Dick Murphy and former Mayor Susan Golding.

“He also worked patrol in the eastern and northeastern parts of the city and taught at the training academy. He was assigned to the traffic division in January 2001 and to the motorcycle squad in March that year.

As well as his 15-year-old daughter, Ashley Griffin-Stence, he is survived by his parents, Gerald and Patricia Griffin of Fort Washington, MD; and sisters Leslie (and husband Patrick Kelly) of Ashburn, MD, and Stacey (and husband Curtis Rineer) of Virginia Beach, VA.

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Griffin’s daughter. Donations to the fund can be mailed to: Ashley Griffin-Stence, c/o San Diego Police Officers Association, 8388 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA 92111.

Inspector Giacomelli was shot and killed while conducting a murder investigation. Inspector Giacomelli had gone to a home on Abbott Street to conduct an investigation into a murder that had occurred at the house the previous week. While he was inside the house, which was believed to be vacant, he was surprised by the suspect, who was a recent parolee, who shot him execution style. The suspect fled the scene but was shot and killed during a shootout with police two nights later when officers located him in Modesto after receiving a tip on his whereabouts. Inspector Giacomelli’s body was found inside the home by another inspector who had arranged to meet him at the scene.

Inspector Giacomelli had been with the agency for 23 years and is survived by his wife, Maria, and teenage daughters, Jessica, 15, and Christina, 17.

Christina and Jessica Giacomelli Trust Fund

Merrill Lynch
Attn: The Deuel Group
1111 Broadway, 22nd floor
Oakland, Calif. 94607

Deputy Brent C. Jenkins, 45, became the fifth member of the Riverside Co. Sheriff’s Department assigned to the San Gorgonio Pass, and the third from the Cabazon station to die in the line of duty since 1997.

On Tuesday, March 18, Jenkins became the latest fatality when his 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV drifted off Interstate 10 in Beaumont and slammed into a tree about 4:30 a.m.

Witnesses driving behind Jenkins told authorities that he was driving about 70 mph when his vehicle drifted over one eastbound lane then left the road, Chris Blondon, public affairs officer, reported.

The deputy apparently did not apply the brakes or take any evasive action. Blondon stated, “There’s no apparent reason for the accident.”

Two cars following the deputy stopped after the accident to help. The CHP and an ambulance arrived about 10 minutes later. Jenkins was wearing his seat belt and shoulder harness, authorities said.

Sheriff Bob Doyle stated that he learned about the accident about 5:30 a.m. “I went to see the family, but they’re in seclusion and dealing with the grief of their loss,” Doyle said. “We have . . . department people there to provide any support they can.”

Doyle characterized Jenkins as a good employee with strong family ties. “It’s just a tragic situation and our hearts go out to the family,” he said continuing, “It’s a very intimate, close station. They’ve had their share of losses at that station. It’s just devastating.”

During a memorial service conducted Saturday, March 22, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Moreno Valley, Riverside County Sheriff’s Capt. Ron Wade told mourners that Jenkins led search-and-rescue missions, “finding the stranded and the lost, always in the dead of winter and always in the middle of the night.”

Bishop Fred Powers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints eulogized Jenkins by saying, “A light shown around him. The light always made you want to be in his presence.”

Approximately 1,200 people, including 300 family members and about 500 deputies, attended the service where Jenkins was described as a husband and father who put his family first, a church leader and a forthright law-enforcement officer.

One of Jenkins’ siblings, Sara Stephan, told the group, “Yes, he was in law enforcement, but he had the biggest, softest heart in the world.”

Another sibling, Ruth Findlay, tape-recorded her brother’s life story when the family last visited her in Utah. Never did she expect to use his own words for his eulogy.

She said her brother treated everyone with care and dignity. “Even people he arrested thanked him for treating them with such respect,” she said.

The funeral procession March 22, to Olivewood Memorial Park in Riverside for interment included hundreds of police vehicles.

Jenkins, a native of Utah, attended four years of seminary school in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as every faithful high student member of the church is required to do.

He was actively involved in service and leadership positions in the Moreno Valley church.

Bishop Powers told the audience that years ago, when Jenkins was a jail guard in Riverside, he took a group of Boy Scouts on a tour. Powers went along.

“He took us down in the belly and taught us what happens when we do not choose the right,” he said. “Certain people in life are angels. I haven’t driven over 55 since that experience.”

Jenkins joined the department in 1990 and worked in the Pass area for the last five years, first at the former Banning Station, then at the new Cabazon facility.

He left behind his wife, Linda, and six children, Summer, 27; Ryan, 25; Amberlee, 22; Matthew, 21; Sean, 17; and Brittany, 12.

Contributions can be made to a trust fund in Jenkins’ memory through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Association Relief Fund: Deputy Jenkins, 6215 River Crest Drive, No. A, Riverside, CA 92507.

Long Beach Police Department Corporal Edward R. Davenport was found unconscious on the pistol range grounds on Monday, February 3.

A department employee found Davenport on the ground next to a ladder, suffering from a head wound and in full cardiac arrest. The employee administered CPR until the Long Beach Fire Department arrived.

Davenport was transported to Los Alamitos Medical Center where he remained in critical condition until passing away on Tuesday, February 4.

Investigators reported that Davenport was on a ladder performing range maintenance duties prior to being found. The coroner’s report showed that he had fallen from the ladder sustaining a blow that broke his neck when a limb struck his head.

Davenport was hired by the Long Beach Police Department in 1962 and worked numerous assignments including patrol, motors, special investigations, and was a special weapons and tactics team (SWAT) member for more than 30 years.

He most recently served as the SWAT team armorer. He became a range master at the police academy in 1991 and had been providing firearm instruction, testing and maintenance.

“Not only did members of the Long Beach Police Department who came through the academy train with Davenport, but law enforcement personnel from other countries benefited from his years of expertise,” stated department spokeswoman, Nancy Pratt.

Davenport’s longest assignment was with SWAT. His many years of dedication to the elite unit earned him the nickname “Papa SWAT” among his fellow officers.

Davenport had been on the force so long that he was part of the Long Beach P.D.’s “Magnificent Seven,” composed of seven officers who have served on the department for 35 years or more. And while many of the “Seven” had retired by 2001, Davenport was still working strong when he was awarded the police officer association’s (POA) coveted Richard A. Rose Career Achievement Award, given to officers with more than 20 years on the job. In 1992, he was named the department’s “Employee of The Year.”

Chief of Police Anthony Batts announced Davenport’s death at a city council meeting that he was attending. He stated, “Ed Davenport, who we called “Pops” because he’s an icon to this organization, he’s like a father, because we’re like a family, took it upon himself at the Long Beach Police Academy shooting range where he’s been for 21 years – 21 of his 40 years – to go out and cut down some bushes.

Ed, being 64 years of age, went up on a ladder to try to cut down bushes to save the city some money and fell from that ladder, striking his head, sustaining a blow that broke his neck, and also some leg injuries.

“Ed said that he would never leave the Long Beach Police Department, when asked when he was going to retire. This was his life. This was his family. And I’d just like to applaud him and his career.

“And with that, I am going to move to name our Long Beach Police Academy shooting range, where he worked for 21 years, after Ed Davenport, and I will bring that to you in the coming weeks.”

Funeral services for Davenport were held Feb. 10, at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach followed by interment at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Born in 1938 in the small town of Ellsworth, KS, Davenport’s family moved to Long Beach when he was 12-months-old. He graduated from Jordan High School and then joined the U. S. Air Force.

Davenport is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beverly; children and grandchildren, Christy, Mark, Richard and Michelle Stowers; Bob, Cindi, Robert and Jayme Davenport; Darren, Suzanne, Justin and Christopher Davenport; brothers, Bob, Ronald, and Dex Davenport; and sister, Linda Davenport.

Davenport’s sons followed in his footsteps into the career of law enforcement. Robert Davenport hired on with the Long Beach P.D. in 1982, and transferred to the Murrietta P.D. in 1997, becoming one of its founding members. He is currently a detective sergeant and their SWAT team leader. Darren Davenport hired on the Long Beach P.D. in 1987, and is currently a motor sergeant in the Field Support Division.

The family has asked that any donations be sent to the Long Beach POA, in honor of the “Corporal Ed Davenport Memorial Scholarship Fund,” 2865 Temple Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90806.