Officer Robert “Bobby Joe” Mata, 26, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, when his patrol car slammed into a light pole. Mata was responding to another officer’s call for assistance, and as he lay dying, 10 of his colleagues from Los Angeles Police Department lifted his patrol car off the ground and moved it in a futile effort to save him.

Sgt. John Pasqualo witnessed the frantic effort. “Ten cops literally lifted the wreckage and moved it,” he said. “It’s a very emotional experience for a police officer to see a black-and-white cracked up like that; unfortunately we’ve seen it too many times.”

Mata and his partner, Officer Sonny Patsenhann, were enroute to a back-up request from a fellow officer who was involved with a stolen vehicle investigation with a suspect. Mata lost control of his police vehicle on a curve and collided with a cement light post. Both Mata and Patsenhann were trapped.

Responding officers were able to remove Patsenhann through the passenger window but, unfortunately, it took the Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics an hour to cut the car s top off and extricate Mata. He talked with paramedics during the ordeal, but went into cardiac arrest as he was finally being pulled from the wreckage. Mata underwent two hours of surgery, but because of his injuries coupled with the length of time his heart had not beaten on its own, he was not able to overcome the trauma of the accident.

Patsenhann, who was injured in the crash, was treated and released from the hospital later the same day.

On Monday, Sept. 25, after his death Mata was lifted up by his colleagues one last time and carried to his grave. While a bagpipe wailed and his wife, Holly; his daughters, Kalei, 5, and Pi-Lani, 2; and his parents, Robert and Josephina Mata; watched in grief, eight uniformed pallbearers set down his flag-draped coffin on its gravesite. Kalei had just celebrated her fifth birthday the previous day.

Los Angeles Police Department’s chief, Bernard C. Parks, as well as hundreds of police officers from throughout California, stood at attention for the interment services at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Mata’s native city.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights was the setting for funeral services honoring Mata. Colleagues choked back sobs as they described Mata as a man who was friendly to everyone, even gangbangers, and relished nothing more than a good joke. Mata’s supervisor, Sgt. Rick Plows recalled Mata looking “like hell” one day as a police inspector made his way down a line of otherwise impeccably turned-out cops. The inspector, stopping in front of Mata, demanded to know why his boots, among other things, looked so shabby. Mata replied, according to Plows, “Sir, it’s either polish for my boots or milk for my kids.”

Another incident that told about Mata was when he was investigating a theft. Something resembling a hand grenade came flying from the front door of the suspect’s house. As other members of the detail dived for cover, Mata discovered that the object was nothing more than a doorknob.

Officer Javier Arenado told the gathering, “Robert told me later that he wanted to smother the doorknob like a hero, but he didn’t want to get his uniform dirty.” Arenado continued, “You know, Bobby was always the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Arenado concluded his eulogy looking out at Mata’s widow, daughters and parents, and stating “We loved him, and we will never forget him,” barely able to speak through his tears.

Neighbors recalled Mata as a jovial, energetic man best known for walking barefoot, regardless of the weather. Neighbor and family friend, Tauribio Ramirez, said Mata “was such a good kid, and so careful about avoiding trouble. He never wanted to have anything to do with criminals or gang kids.”

Deputy city attorney, Elizabeth Greenwood, who worked with Mata for 18 months, said he received a commendation from the Los Angeles City Council in June. “It was for outstanding service in crime suppression and reclaiming the community,” she stated. “I’ll miss him. He was a sweet, quiet, outstanding police officer who dealt with everybody with honor and respect. A joy to be around.”

The funeral drew an overflow crowd of nearly 2,000 to the church to hear a Mass celebrated by Bishop Gambio Zavala and Msgr. Michael Killeen.

Msgr. Killeen told the mourners that Mata was “a surrogate for all men and women who are sworn to our defense.” He recalled the poignant circumstances of Mata’s death taking place enroute to helping a colleague. Killeen continued, “It can be said, truly, Bobby Joe Mata laid down his life for his friends. He was committed, he was filled with love, and I’m sure that memory will never be forgotten.”

As the Mass began, a hymn set the tone of the gathering. “I will lift you up,” the lyrics called out, and for Bobby Joe Mata, it seemed a fitting refrain.

Mata, a six-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Dept. who was assigned to the Harbor Special Enforcement Unit Gang Detail, was the fifth officer from the agency in three years to die in the line of duty.

Mata’s wife, Holly, is a recent graduate of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy.

A trust fund has been established for Officer Mata s children, donations may be sent to: The Robert Mata Blue Ribbon Trust, c/o Harbor Area Police Station, 2175 South John S. Gibson Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731. Donations to the Blue Ribbon Trust are not tax-deductible. Tax-deductible donations in the name of Robert Mata, may be made to: The Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

On December 27, 1985, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Officer David Irwin was on duty, riding his departmental motorcycle westbound on Manchester Avenue and nearing the intersection of Broadway in the South Los Angeles area.

Officer Irwin was forced into a hard-braking sequence that resulted in him losing control of his motorcycle. He slid into the intersection, where he was struck by a northbound vehicle. The impact ejected Officer Irwin onto the pavement, where his motorcycle landed on top of him. These events caused him to sustain a deep brain bruise, skull fracture and three crushed vertebrae in his neck. He was paralyzed from the chest down and disability retired.

On September 18, 2000, Irwin was found deceased in his home. The forensic pathologist determined the cause of death as a complication of Officer Irwin’s paraplegia, due to the blunt force trauma he sustained in 1985.

The Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa was the setting June 29, where several thousand mourners honored Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Edward Parsons, who died June 24, from injuries suffered in a traffic collision.

Hundreds of police motorcycles were parked four abreast and dozens of rows deep outside the chapel in a silent tribute during the midmorning service. Their riders from police agencies throughout Southern California were inside remembering one of their own, the first Orange County Sheriff’s Department motorcycle officer to die in the line of duty. The officers were reminded anew of their vulnerability while piloting the two wheelers.

Parsons, 36, was mortally injured June 19, when a driver traveling 50 miles an hour ran a red light at an intersection in Aliso Viejo, striking his motorcycle and throwing him 60 feet through the air. He remained in a medically induced coma at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo until June 24, when family members authorized doctors to remove him from life support.

Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona said, “Steve Parsons had done everything he possibly could,” adding that the father of two small children was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Nobody could have expected entering an intersection 15 seconds after the light had gone green that someone could have run a red light,” Carona continued. “Every single day [cops] know something like this can happen. No matter how good they are, how hard they train. Something like this can happen.”

According to witnesses, Sylvia Steinhardt, 77, was driving about 40 mph in a 55 mph zone when she ran a red light and hit Parsons’ motorcycle. Authorities say Steinhardt apparently didn’t see the traffic signal and struck Parsons without slowing down. The accident remains under investigation and Steinhardt will not be charged until it is concluded.

Parsons’ wife, Kathy, told the press that she didn’t want any harm to come to the car’s driver. “I haven’t met her,” she said, “I don’t want her to be hurt in any way. She has her own thing to deal with.”

More than 400 neighbors, friends and colleagues honored Parsons at a Candlelight Vigil on June 28, at the Costeau Park in Laguna Hills. Speakers at the event included Lt. Rex Hatch, chief of Police Services; Mayor Joel Lautenschleger, and Sheriff-Coroner Mike Carona.

Friends and fellow officers recalled Parsons at the emotional funeral service on June 29, as a man who could be “goofy” at times, but also someone who was absolutely devoted to his family and a no-nonsense cop with a reputation for writing more than his share of tickets.

Sheriff Carona told the audience, “The first time I met Steve Parsons was for a traffic stop, then he writes me a citation,” as laughter echoed through the sanctuary.

Deputy Brian Hall, Parsons’ friend, explained why other motorcycle officers nicknamed Parsons the “Iceman” during a 20-minute eulogy. Hall said, “He wrote tickets, that’s what he did all day. Nobody got a break from Steve. He loved his job, but he loved his family first.”

Calvary Pastor Chuck Smith said the story prompted him to add that Parsons “gave a new meaning to ticket-master. Drawing from the message of Psalm 23, Smith said that Parsons, like David, “wielded a rod and staff as he was enduring to make that neighborhood [where he patrolled in Laguna Hills] the safest place to drive.”

Gov. Gray Davis called Parsons “a true California hero” in a letter read by Carona. He wrote that the officer’s memory must be honored “in a way that does justice to his life.”

Carona told the mourners that the highest honor Parsons could possibly earn came from his wife when she said he would be remembered not just as a great cop, but also as a great father.

Graveside services were held at the Pacific View Memorial Park where Parsons’ ashes were inurned.

Parsons began his career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in October 1989, after completing his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Long Beach. In 1993 he earned a master’s degree in public administration. After graduating from the sheriff’s academy, Parsons worked at the Intake/Release Center.

In 1994 he was transferred to South Operations where he was assigned to patrol duty in Laguna Hills. Parsons became Long Beach’s first motorcycle officer in 1997. He was named “Laguna Hills’ Officer of the Year” in 1998.

In addition to his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Kelsey, 6; son, Nathan, 3; his parents and a sister survive Parsons.

A fund has been established to assist Parsons’ family. Contributions may be made to Deputy Steve Parsons, in care of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, 1314 West Fifth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703.

While patrolling a “high concentration gang” area in a residential neighborhood in Long Beach on Saturday, April 29, two Long Beach police officers were shot with automatic weapons as a car drove past them. Police Chief Jerome Lance stated, “The officers were not making an arrest, serving a warrant, or answering another call at the time they were hit. They were just driving down the street.”

Officer Daryle W. Black, 33, was shot twice in the head and died the following day at a nearby hospital. Officer Rick Delfin, 41, was shot once in the head and leg.

The shots came from the passenger side as the patrol car was stopped. Neither officer was able to return fire. As the shots were being fired, Delfin, although seriously injured, immediately sped out of the area. The investigation revealed that approximately 15 AK-47 rounds were fired at the officers.

A resident of the area, a 45-year-old pregnant woman, was also struck several times by bullets that penetrated the walls of her home. She and her 7-month-old fetus survived.

During a gang sweep the previous night, officers were confronted with an armed subject, who was shot and killed. Lance stated that officers Black and Delfin were ambushed and were possibly the victims of a retaliatory attack by gang members.

On the morning of the memorial service held for Black, Ramon “Gumby” Sandoval Jr., 18, of Compton, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in the shooting. Four other suspects were also charged.

During a memorial service held on Thursday, May 4, at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, thousands of law enforcement officers joined relatives in mourning Black.

Lance told the mourners, “Daryle was determined to make a difference with the youth of our community. He was a mountain of a man with a gentle heart. He liked to achieve a goal through hard work. He’s even been referred to as the Ritchie Cunningham of the department.”

One of Black’s coworkers, Officer Robert Knight, stated that he patterned himself after Black, and he tearfully recalled him commenting that Long Beach was Southern California’s best-kept secret.

Knight continued, “I think Daryle was wrong. He was Long Beach P.D.’s best-kept secret.”

Sgt. Robert Razo, Black’s immediate supervisor, told the gathering, “He was a man of honor and courtesy. He was not weighed down by negativity and doubt. If you were thinking about digging a hole to China, he’d be there to help you.”

Black’s older brother, Connell, during the eulogy told of Black’s commitment to policing. He stated, “My brother lived, breathed and died doing what he loved. Law enforcement took my brother over. It engulfed him. The time he put into it was truly amazing.

“I pray that you all have the same commitment.” He continued, “He raised the bar for you guys. I’m not saying this as his brother but as a friend.”

More than 1,000 officers formed a motorcade immediately after the funeral for a procession through downtown Long Beach to Brothers Mortuary from which Black’s body would be shipped to Michigan for interment.

Black, who was not married, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He became an Orange County deputy sheriff in the late 1980s and worked in the main jail. He joined the Long Beach Police Department four years later, where he was assigned to the city’s gang unit about two years ago.

He developed an expertise in prison gangs, and became a source of information for other departments. Prior to joining the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Black served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a military police officer and attained the rank of corporal.

Black was the first officer shot to death in Long Beach in almost 25 years.

Donations may be made in Black’s memory to the Long Beach Youth Activities and D.A.R.E. Inc., Daryle Black Memorial Fund. Checks should be mailed to: Long Beach Police Dept., Youth Services Division, 1957 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806. (D.A.R.E. tax identification number is 33-0342399.)

Officer Jeffrey L. Azuar, 50, one of Vallejo Police Department’s best-known and best-liked members, was fatally shot Wednesday, April 12, while trying to arrest Vallejo resident Joseph R. Teitgen, 34, on a felony warrant for grand theft.

Teitgen, who is recovering from a gunshot wound that he sustained during the confrontation, was arraigned in his hospital room. He was initially facing charges related to an alleged check-kiting scheme to save his carpet-laying business. He now faces charges of murder with two special circumstances, and two counts of attempted murder. He had prior convictions for felony grand theft.

Azuar received the call to assist in Teitgen’s arrest while he was filling in on an early shift. He and another officer were searching his home and found him hiding in a laundry room adjacent to the garage. There was a struggle, and police say Teitgen, who was high on methamphetamine, pulled out a gun and shot Azuar in the head. Teitgen was shot by a third officer as he attempted to escape out of a second floor bathroom window.

Close to 100 K-9 officers from around the state sat with their K-9 partners at their feet on Corbus Field at the Vallejo High School where funeral services were held for Azuar on Tuesday, April 18. They were a vivid reminder of how much he loved being a dog handler.

More than 4,000 local residents and law enforcement personnel filled the high school’s track field to grieve and pay their last respects to the beloved police officer slain in the line of duty. Friends say Azuar was deeply connected to his community, recognized by children from his many visits to schools with his dogs, a friend to his neighbors and a true community police officer who befriended local business owners and who would return weeks after an initial call to check up on people he had helped.

Rev. Keith DeVries told the gathering, “Jeff’s life and involvement in the community has literally touched thousands over the years.” Cpl. James O’Connell, one of the pallbearers, said, “He was so proud to be a police officer. He had this badge and he shined it so much he wore away the writing, and the chief had to order him a new one.”

Azuar’s daughter, Amanda, 25, wrote a poem, which was read at the service by family friend, Dannea Aronsen.

“To protect and serve, that is why you lived, you brought courage and honor to the badge you wore – you couldn’t have wanted anything more.” Vallejo Police Department’s chief, Bob Nichelini, told the crowd, “Jeff was truly a police officer’s police officer. He was just one great guy.”

Speeches were made, poems read, stories told and tears were shed. A close friend of Azuar, Capt. Al Lehman, put the event in perspective with his eulogy. His first words – “City of Vallejo, you have a hometown hero here.” During his speech, he shared with the crowd what his granddaughter told her mom upon hearing that Azuar had died: “Jeff and Rondo are together again.” Rondo was Azuar’s first K-9 partner.

The ceremony ended with seven police helicopters flying overhead in Missing Man formation and nine doves being released. The doves followed the path of the lone helicopter. Capt. Tom Hauser played the bagpipes while the American flag was ceremoniously folded and Chief Nichelini handed it to Azuar’s daughter. A badge with his badge number was then placed around Azuar’s K-9 partner, A.J.’s, neck.

After the service, hundreds of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances from around the state snaked through Vallejo toward the Skyview Memorial Cemetery where the interment took place.

Azuar, who had been a member of Vallejo P.D. for 21 years, had worked in patrol and narcotics and on the SWAT team until 1993, when he became an officer in the canine unit. His first police dog, Rondo, an 8-year-old German shepherd who had been his partner for 4 ½ years, was stabbed to death in July 1997 by a suspect in a hit-and-run accident. The dog died in Azuar’s arms.

Azuar participated in the K-9 Police Olympics placing third in his division. He and his K-9s were known throughout the City of Vallejo and known for their visits to the schools and organizations throughout Solano County. He was also known throughout the department and community for his cooking and the social events that were hosted by him including his Christmas and 4th of July parties given for the past 20 years.

Azuar is the first Vallejo officer to have died in the line of duty since 1966, when two officers, Calvin C. Thacker and William L. Easson Jr., were killed during a traffic stop.

He was born and raised in Vallejo. Besides his daughter, Amanda, he leaves behind his granddaughter, Ashlee, and father, Joseph, all Vallejo residents. Azuar was preceded in death by his mother, Connie, and his brother, Dennis.

The Vallejo Police Officers’ Association has set up a scholarship fund for Azuar’s 6-month-old granddaughter, Ashlee Geller. Donations may be made to the Ashlee Geller Scholarship Fund care of the Vallejo Police Officers’ Association, P.O. Box 4218, 301 Wallace Street, Vallejo, CA 94591.

Ofc. Louis Villalobos, 52, died March 18 from injuries he incurred when he slipped and fell off of a 10-foot catwalk during training exercises as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Metropolitan Division, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. Villalobos was taking advanced training at the U.S. Marine Base, Camp Pendleton, observing a live-fire drill at a “shooting house.”

He was about to take a seat on a catwalk, when he apparently reached back to brace himself, lost his balance and fell. He sustained serious head trauma. Chief Bernard Parks stated, “This is a tragic accident. I have known Officer Villalobos for many years. He represented everything that was good about our Department, and he will be greatly missed.”

Villalobos, a 30-year member of the department, joined the elite SWAT unit in 1983. He was a highly regarded peer leader. For the last10 years, he held the rank of assistant squad leader, and was six months away from retirement.

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from throughout California gathered for services for Villalobos, that were held on March 24, at the Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills Estates followed by interment at the Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Fellow Officer Stuart Guidry told the group, “You would know at first glance there was something special about him. He possessed unbelievable skill and knowledge, and had the body of an Olympic athlete. But he was also a man who carried himself with a sincere humility. He was the best of the best.”

Villalobos’ colleagues described him as a guy they sought out for guidance, someone who made time for anyone of any rank, someone Chief Parks himself frequently went out of his way to acknowledge.

Mayor Richard Riordan said, “The Reader’s Digest used to have a series about ‘The Most Unforgettable People I’ve Met. At the top of my list would be Lou Villalobos.’ Mike Downey of the L.A. Times wrote, “Of all the ways to lose him – literally a fallen hero.”

Villalobos, born in Sacramento, attended Christian Brothers and Bishop Armstrong high schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1964, where he trained as a radio-telephone operator and Naval gunfire spotter. He served two years in Vietnam, where he was awarded a Silver Star for bravery in battle during the Tet offensive. He was honorably discharged in December 1969 as a sergeant.

Graduating in the top half of his Los Angeles Police Academy class in December 1970, Villalobos went on to patrol duties in the 77th Street Area. Shortly after he started patrol duties, the department received a letter from grateful citizens thanking Villalobos and his partner for having a long talk with their unruly teenaged daughter. The parents credited them with making a difference in their daughter’s life and helping her to turn around.

Following 11 years of well-rounded, often commended police work, Villalobos was accepted into Metropolitan Division. After two years of dedicated performance in crime suppression work, he was selected as a member of the SWAT platoon. Villalobos, from 1983 until the present, was a part of practically every high-profile incident that the LAPD SWAT Team became involved in. He was awarded the following LAPD medals during his tour with SWAT: The Police Meritorious Unit Citation Medal, for SWAT’s overall service to the people of the City of Los Angeles, in 1984; the Police Star Medal, for his actions in a barricaded suspect incident at a law office in Century City, in 1988; and the Police Commission Unit Citation Medal, for actions in response to the LAX-Rainbow Man barricaded suspect / hostage / bomb incident, in 1992. Another Police Meritorious Unit Citation Medal was presented to him for his actions as a SWAT team member in the North Hollywood – Bank of America shoot-out aftermath in February 1997. And finally, last September, Villalobos received the department’s highest award for individual heroism, the Medal of Valor, for his actions in the rescue of an ambushed and mortally wounded Glendale Police Department detective in May of 1997.

The Medal of Valor is the highest award the department bestows upon its officers who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and bravery above and beyond the normal demands of police service.

His fellow SWAT officers regarded Villalobos as the “best of the best.” He was a dedicated SWAT instructor, training outside law enforcement special weapons teams and even some military units in need of learning hostage rescue techniques.

His daughters, Stephanie, Christina, and Samantha, 8; his son, Jacob, 7; his parents, Louis and, Abeline; and his sister, Irene, survive Villalobos. A trust fund has been established for Villalobos’ two minor children. Donations may be sent to: The Lou Villalobos Blue Ribbon Trust Account, c/o LAPD Metropolitan Division, 251 East Sixth Street, #221, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

Officer Russell M. Miller Sr., a 12-year veteran of the Chino Police Department, became the department’s first officer to die in the line of duty Tuesday, Feb. 1, when a drunk driver struck him as he stopped another motorist for a traffic violation.

Miller, the father of three, died of internal injuries he sustained when he was hit during the early morning traffic stop.

He had stopped a pickup truck for a minor traffic offense and was walking toward the vehicle when a 1999 Chevy Suburban, driven by 21-year-old Joseph John Martinez, came up from behind, smashing into his patrol car and striking Miller, tossing him into the bed of the stopped pickup.

Martinez did not stop after hitting Miller, but was arrested less than 15 minutes after the accident, when he slammed into a light pole and signpost, knocking a wheel off his pickup. Residents from the area, awakened by the commotion caused by the accident, detained him when he tried to drive away on the axle. He was later found to allegedly have a blood-alcohol level of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit for drivers in California.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed second-degree murder charges against Martinez. In addition, charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run were also filed. He was arraigned in Chino Superior Court and a bail of $1 million was set. Martinez was held to answer all charges and a trial date has been set for the first week of May in Rancho Cucamonga.

Chief Gene Hernandez stated, “Miller was an officer who was well liked, well respected.” He added that he was older than most field officers and brought a sense of maturity to the department. “He was a very stabilizing force in a rather youthful patrol unit. He loved people and he loved life.” Miller, a field-training officer, was also part of the department’s Mounted Enforcement Team.

The St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Chino Hills was packed with law enforcement officers for Miller’s Mass of Christian burial on Monday, Feb. 7. Law enforcement personnel came from throughout California; and as far distant as Idaho and Utah.

The ceremony was punctuated by both tears and laughter as Miller’s colleagues recalled the man they knew, recounting his immense love for his family, and his skill as a police officer.

At the funeral service Fr. Mike Maher spoke of the officer who survived being accidentally shot with a hunting rifle when he was 17, who spent six years in Vietnam, and who survived a problem with blood clots five years ago – only to fall in the line of duty.

Chief Gene Hernandez said in his eulogy, “We know we go to work for others, not for ourselves. God handpicked Officer Miller . . . God has told us that he served his time. Take time to remember Officer Miller for what he was – a chosen protector.”

Chino Deputy District Attorney Michael Libutti, referring to Miller, stated “He always said he liked spending time with his kids and how important that was to him. He worked traffic cases and he was just a great guy. He was very competent and took his work seriously.”

At the end of the funeral service, one of Miller’s daughters, Melissa, released a white dove in a symbolic release of her father. The dove was joined by 20 others in a formation that flew briefly over the nearby lake, and then departed.

Upon graduating from Magnolia High School in Anaheim in 1967, Miller joined the Navy, where he served six years at the height of the Vietnam War. After being discharged he held a series of jobs working as a welder, truck driver and construction worker before he convinced his wife Stephanie to let him apply to become a police officer. He graduated from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy on Feb. 5, 1988.

Miller became involved in family and community activities after his three children were born. He coached Little League and helped out with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps that his son, Russell Jr., belonged to.

He and his wife recently purchased 20 acres in Montana and were looking forward to retirement in about six years. Ofc. Steve Hopsiter, a close friend and coworker, said that Miller had brought a brochure to work about a month ago that pictured the log cabin he and his wife planned to build for their retirement home.

Hopsiter, who also purchased acreage in Montana and had planned to retire when Miller did, continued, “This was not part of the plan. I know for a fact he was not ready to go now. He had longevity in his family. He was planning to spend 20 years in Montana with Stephanie.”

Although Miller was the first in the modern history of Chino to lose his life in the line of duty, he was the third to die in the 113-year history of the community and the second in Chino since the city was incorporated in 1910.

Miller is survived by his wife, Stephanie; daughters, Melissa Endecott, 20, and Sarah, 19; son, Russell Jr., 15; parents, Donald and Lottie Miller of Oregon; sisters, Theresa Eakins and Diane Miller, both of Oregon; and a brother, Gregory Miller of Highland.

The Chino Police Association has established a memorial fund for the Miller family. Checks should be made payable to The Russell M. Miller Memorial Fund and mailed to the Chino Police Association, P.O. Box 2557, Chino, CA 91708.

Two veteran San Francisco police officers, Inspector Kirk B. Brookbush and Officer James F. Dougherty, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, in the crash of a department helicopter in a plowed field near the small farming community of Crows Landing.

The aircraft, on a routine flight from a maintenance check at the Porterville Airport in Tulare County back to San Francisco, crashed sometime after 9 p.m. when Federal Aviation Administration officials at Stockton Airport lost radio and radar contact with the Bell Jet Ranger OH-58 five-seat chopper.

There was no indication what caused the helicopter to go down. The National Weather Service said the weather at the time of last contact was rainy and windy with low ceilings. SFPD Capt. Mike Yalon described the weather as flyable, but theorized that the pilot might have attempted to set the aircraft down because of inclement weather.

Stanislaus County authorities said the pilot radioed the Stockton Airport tower that he was flying beneath 1,000 feet because of visibility problems just before contact was lost.

Myron Larson, Stanislaus County sheriff’s Commander, said a preliminary investigation showed that the helicopter crashed at high speed, going in at a low angle.

A KGO-Radio helicopter that had been dispatched to cover the accident spotted the wreckage at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday. The wreckage was strewn over a plowed field 150 yards in length just south of Crows Landing. A farmer also reported spotting the wreckage that morning.

The helicopter crash was the second in less than four months involving Bay Area police helicopters. In late October, a San Jose police helicopter crashed onto a busy San Jose street, killing Officer Desmond J. Casey and an aircraft mechanic.

Only one other San Francisco officer, Charles Lagosa, has died in a helicopter crash. His aircraft dropped into Lake Merced on Feb. 11, 1971. The crash led to the grounding of the department’s small fleet until recent years.

The helicopter, piloted by Brookbush, had gone to Porterville for routine maintenance and to return a floodlight borrowed for the New Year’s celebration in San Francisco. Brookbush and Dougherty flew to Porterville Monday and decided to stay overnight because of bad weather. They departed Porterville between 4 and 6 p.m. Tuesday.

California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Harris reported that the last radio contact with Brookbush was shortly after 9 p.m. At the same time, controllers at Stockton approach radar stated that the helicopter vanished off their radar screens.

San Francisco Police Department owns four Bell helicopters, using two for air operations and two for spare parts. They were given to the department by the Defense Department three years ago. They copters are not used for daily patrols or pursuits but are available as emergency backup for special operations and search and rescue operations.

The department had two helicopters, staffed with 11 officers, three decades ago, but they were grounded after the Lake Merced fatal crash. There also were widespread civilian complaints about the noise of the aircraft as they flew over the city.

Randy Furtick, vice president of Aircraft and Helicopter Maintenance Inc. of Porterville said the helicopter had routine maintenance done on it Monday afternoon, a service performed on the aircraft after 50 hours of flying.

Furtick stated, “We don’t know what happened at this point in time. There is speculation everywhere. We don’t know, other than the passing of two good friends.”

Police Chief Fred Lau, who grounded the Police Department’s helicopters after the crash, said he wanted to continue the chopper program in the fallen officers’ honor. He continued, “Both officers will be deeply missed.”

Thousands of law enforcement personnel gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco for the double funeral for Brookbush and Dougherty on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Officers came from throughout the nation with their badges crossed with black tape to join in mourning for their “brothers in arms.” Chief Lau’s speech to the assembled mourners was preceded by comments from Mayor Willie Brown and California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

Brow told the audience, “They were two fine, dedicated, talented officers. It is always difficult to say goodbye to a fallen soldier, a fallen comrade.” Cmdr. Heather Fong, Brookbush’s and Dougherty’s boss, who heads the air unit, brought tears to the eyes of many when she referred to the downed officers as “two angels looking over the shoulders” of San Francisco police officers.

She continued while speaking of the crash in foul weather, “Somewhere between heaven and Earth, God’s voice called out and the two angels fell.” Most of the speakers at the overflow double funeral for the two officers focused on the glowing police achievements of the two men.

Bill Vanderber, who remembered Brookbush as a teacher, friend and a mentor in the air, told the assembly that he shared a passion with him: flying. He stated that he had taught him how to pilot an aircraft and together they explored the skies above Northern California in a small plane and, later, a helicopter. They also shared a goofy sense of humor, and Vanderber was always entertained by Brookbush’s jokes and storytelling.

He continued in a tribute punctuated by his own tears, “Kirk was the best. He was my instructor, my best friend and an outstanding father” to his son Andy. Kirk was the best.”

Inspector Pam Fitzgerald-Wermes said she was inspired by Brookbush’s “exuberance” and “contagious excitement.” She heard so many stories about his love of the air that she decided to take flying lessons.

“I know he’s looking down on us right now,” she stated. “Kirk, we will honor you and there will never be another like you.”

Paul Kang, Dougherty’s friend, said that through friendliness and infinite patience, gradually grew to become a beloved father figure. “He was always there for us when we needed him. He was always there to help us and teach us. He was great for our family.”

Kang told the mourners that he and his brother Chon came to see Dougherty as a father figure in the 10 years since the fallen officer met their mother. He continued, “You don’t really know what you have until you lose it.”

The weather in The City on the morning of the funeral was similar to that in the Central Valley they night they died – scattered showers, drizzle and low clouds.

Inspector/Pilot Kirk Bradley Brookbush

After active duty in Vietnam, Brookbush served in a Long Range Reconnaissance Platoon of the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne), and one year with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department. He joined the San Francisco Police Department on September 11, 1972. His career took him through rotations at four different police stations, the Department Specialist Team (1985-1988), the Tactical Unit (1988-1990), the Crime Scene Investigations Unit (1994-1999), and the Air Support Unit to which he was assigned in August 1999. He was promoted to the rank of Inspector last year.

Brookbush, the department’s only chopper pilot since he took over in October, also served as a fixed-wing pilot with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He was well known for making parachute jumps into Candlestick Park before Giants and 49er games.

Chief Lau said that Brookbush’s flight instructor described him as one of the most safety-minded and conscientious pilots he’s ever trained. He was awarded a gold medal, the department’s highest award, in 1980 after capturing a man who shot his partner.

Brookbush, who was 49 years old, brought enthusiasm and expertise to each of his assignments, along with a methodical and conscientious approach to his work that made him extremely valuable to the Department. He was an avid and experienced aviator, licensed to fly several different types of planes and helicopters.

During his 27 years in the Department, he earned a Gold Medal of Valor, three Police Commission Commendations, and 65 Captain’s Commendations. Outgoing and personable, he was particularly popular with the public he served; he received 68 Citizen Complimentary letters.

His wife Suzanne and his son Andrew survive Brookbush. They lived in Hayward, not far from the airport where he kept his small plane.

Officer/Mechanic James Francis Dougherty

Jim Dougherty began his police career at Taraval Station May 17, 1971 after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, from 1963 to 1967, and after working for two years (1969 – 1971), as an aircraft mechanic for United Airlines.

He was later assigned to the Traffic Accident Investigation Bureau (1977-1980), where his mechanical knowledge was useful in analyzing accident scenes. He served at Park and Ingleside stations, and returned to Taraval Station in April 1996. He served the Omi Community as the Day Watch “6 Car.”

Dougherty, quiet and unassuming, his dedication to service in his 28 years with the Department yielded him one Police Commission Commendation, 52 Captain’s Commendations, and 41 Citizen Complimentary letters.

The Air Support Unit often utilized his expertise as a certified aircraft mechanic. He was also an accomplished fixed wing pilot.

His three children: Jeffrey, Bridget, and Christopher: and his companion, Sun Kang; and her sons, Chon and Paul Kang, survive the 56-year-old Dougherty. Family trust funds have been established for Brookbush and Dougherty. Persons wishing to contribute are asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department Credit Union, 2550 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94122 or call (415) 564-3800. The Kirk Brookbush Memorial Fund is trust identification number 1355139; the James Dougherty Memorial Fund is trust identification number 1355138. Credit Union staff will assist contributors who elect to have a single donation divided between the two trusts.

Two veteran San Francisco police officers, Inspector Kirk B. Brookbush and Officer James F. Dougherty, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, in the crash of a department helicopter in a plowed field near the small farming community of Crows Landing.

The aircraft, on a routine flight from a maintenance check at the Porterville Airport in Tulare County back to San Francisco, crashed sometime after 9 p.m. when Federal Aviation Administration officials at Stockton Airport lost radio and radar contact with the Bell Jet Ranger OH-58 five-seat chopper.

There was no indication what caused the helicopter to go down. The National Weather Service said the weather at the time of last contact was rainy and windy with low ceilings. SFPD Capt. Mike Yalon described the weather as flyable, but theorized that the pilot might have attempted to set the aircraft down because of inclement weather.

Stanislaus County authorities said the pilot radioed the Stockton Airport tower that he was flying beneath 1,000 feet because of visibility problems just before contact was lost.

Myron Larson, Stanislaus County sheriff’s Commander, said a preliminary investigation showed that the helicopter crashed at high speed, going in at a low angle.

A KGO-Radio helicopter that had been dispatched to cover the accident spotted the wreckage at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday. The wreckage was strewn over a plowed field 150 yards in length just south of Crows Landing. A farmer also reported spotting the wreckage that morning.

The helicopter crash was the second in less than four months involving Bay Area police helicopters. In late October, a San Jose police helicopter crashed onto a busy San Jose street, killing Officer Desmond J. Casey and an aircraft mechanic.

Only one other San Francisco officer, Charles Lagosa, has died in a helicopter crash. His aircraft dropped into Lake Merced on Feb. 11, 1971. The crash led to the grounding of the department’s small fleet until recent years.

The helicopter, piloted by Brookbush, had gone to Porterville for routine maintenance and to return a floodlight borrowed for the New Year’s celebration in San Francisco. Brookbush and Dougherty flew to Porterville Monday and decided to stay overnight because of bad weather. They departed Porterville between 4 and 6 p.m. Tuesday.

California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Harris reported that the last radio contact with Brookbush was shortly after 9 p.m. At the same time, controllers at Stockton approach radar stated that the helicopter vanished off their radar screens.

San Francisco Police Department owns four Bell helicopters, using two for air operations and two for spare parts. They were given to the department by the Defense Department three years ago. They copters are not used for daily patrols or pursuits but are available as emergency backup for special operations and search and rescue operations.

The department had two helicopters, staffed with 11 officers, three decades ago, but they were grounded after the Lake Merced fatal crash. There also were widespread civilian complaints about the noise of the aircraft as they flew over the city.

Randy Furtick, vice president of Aircraft and Helicopter Maintenance Inc. of Porterville said the helicopter had routine maintenance done on it Monday afternoon, a service performed on the aircraft after 50 hours of flying.

Furtick stated, “We don’t know what happened at this point in time. There is speculation everywhere. We don’t know, other than the passing of two good friends.”

Police Chief Fred Lau, who grounded the Police Department’s helicopters after the crash, said he wanted to continue the chopper program in the fallen officers’ honor. He continued, “Both officers will be deeply missed.”

Thousands of law enforcement personnel gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco for the double funeral for Brookbush and Dougherty on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Officers came from throughout the nation with their badges crossed with black tape to join in mourning for their “brothers in arms.” Chief Lau’s speech to the assembled mourners was preceded by comments from Mayor Willie Brown and California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

Brow told the audience, “They were two fine, dedicated, talented officers. It is always difficult to say goodbye to a fallen soldier, a fallen comrade.” Cmdr. Heather Fong, Brookbush’s and Dougherty’s boss, who heads the air unit, brought tears to the eyes of many when she referred to the downed officers as “two angels looking over the shoulders” of San Francisco police officers.

She continued while speaking of the crash in foul weather, “Somewhere between heaven and Earth, God’s voice called out and the two angels fell.” Most of the speakers at the overflow double funeral for the two officers focused on the glowing police achievements of the two men.

Bill Vanderber, who remembered Brookbush as a teacher, friend and a mentor in the air, told the assembly that he shared a passion with him: flying. He stated that he had taught him how to pilot an aircraft and together they explored the skies above Northern California in a small plane and, later, a helicopter. They also shared a goofy sense of humor, and Vanderber was always entertained by Brookbush’s jokes and storytelling.

He continued in a tribute punctuated by his own tears, “Kirk was the best. He was my instructor, my best friend and an outstanding father” to his son Andy. Kirk was the best.”

Inspector Pam Fitzgerald-Wermes said she was inspired by Brookbush’s “exuberance” and “contagious excitement.” She heard so many stories about his love of the air that she decided to take flying lessons.

“I know he’s looking down on us right now,” she stated. “Kirk, we will honor you and there will never be another like you.”

Paul Kang, Dougherty’s friend, said that through friendliness and infinite patience, gradually grew to become a beloved father figure. “He was always there for us when we needed him. He was always there to help us and teach us. He was great for our family.”

Kang told the mourners that he and his brother Chon came to see Dougherty as a father figure in the 10 years since the fallen officer met their mother. He continued, “You don’t really know what you have until you lose it.”

The weather in The City on the morning of the funeral was similar to that in the Central Valley they night they died – scattered showers, drizzle and low clouds.

Inspector/Pilot Kirk Bradley Brookbush

After active duty in Vietnam, Brookbush served in a Long Range Reconnaissance Platoon of the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne), and one year with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department. He joined the San Francisco Police Department on September 11, 1972. His career took him through rotations at four different police stations, the Department Specialist Team (1985-1988), the Tactical Unit (1988-1990), the Crime Scene Investigations Unit (1994-1999), and the Air Support Unit to which he was assigned in August 1999. He was promoted to the rank of Inspector last year.

Brookbush, the department’s only chopper pilot since he took over in October, also served as a fixed-wing pilot with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He was well known for making parachute jumps into Candlestick Park before Giants and 49er games.

Chief Lau said that Brookbush’s flight instructor described him as one of the most safety-minded and conscientious pilots he’s ever trained. He was awarded a gold medal, the department’s highest award, in 1980 after capturing a man who shot his partner.

Brookbush, who was 49 years old, brought enthusiasm and expertise to each of his assignments, along with a methodical and conscientious approach to his work that made him extremely valuable to the Department. He was an avid and experienced aviator, licensed to fly several different types of planes and helicopters.

During his 27 years in the Department, he earned a Gold Medal of Valor, three Police Commission Commendations, and 65 Captain’s Commendations. Outgoing and personable, he was particularly popular with the public he served; he received 68 Citizen Complimentary letters.

His wife Suzanne and his son Andrew survive Brookbush. They lived in Hayward, not far from the airport where he kept his small plane.

Officer/Mechanic James Francis Dougherty

Jim Dougherty began his police career at Taraval Station May 17, 1971 after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, from 1963 to 1967, and after working for two years (1969 – 1971), as an aircraft mechanic for United Airlines.

He was later assigned to the Traffic Accident Investigation Bureau (1977-1980), where his mechanical knowledge was useful in analyzing accident scenes. He served at Park and Ingleside stations, and returned to Taraval Station in April 1996. He served the Omi Community as the Day Watch “6 Car.”

Dougherty, quiet and unassuming, his dedication to service in his 28 years with the Department yielded him one Police Commission Commendation, 52 Captain’s Commendations, and 41 Citizen Complimentary letters.

The Air Support Unit often utilized his expertise as a certified aircraft mechanic. He was also an accomplished fixed wing pilot.

His three children: Jeffrey, Bridget, and Christopher: and his companion, Sun Kang; and her sons, Chon and Paul Kang, survive the 56-year-old Dougherty. Family trust funds have been established for Brookbush and Dougherty. Persons wishing to contribute are asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department Credit Union, 2550 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94122 or call (415) 564-3800. The Kirk Brookbush Memorial Fund is trust identification number 1355139; the James Dougherty Memorial Fund is trust identification number 1355138. Credit Union staff will assist contributors who elect to have a single donation divided between the two trusts.

Kings County Sheriff’s Deputy Allen T. Sharra was responding to a call for assistance with his teen ride-along on Dec. 27, when his patrol car flew off a dirt road and slammed into an irrigation-canal embankment near Lemoore.

Luis Verdugo, a 15-year-old sheriff’s Explorer Scout, who was riding along, was hurled through the windshield upon impact. He suffered two broken ankles and a lacerated liver. Verdugo climbed back into the patrol car to radio for medical assistance not realizing that Sharra, 31, had died on impact. Sheriff Ken Marvin announced that the accident happened while Sharra was responding to a call in a cotton field from another deputy. The other deputy, whose name wasn’t released, called for assistance after he found a vehicle in the field that he believed had been used in a crime the previous night.

Marvin continued, “This is a very tragic thing for the entire department. We deal with death all the time. But it’s harder when it’s one of your own. He was a part of our family.”

Hundreds of law enforcement officers turned out in Hanford at the Glad Tidings Church on Jan. 4, to say goodbye to Sharra. Verdugo, wearing his Explorer uniform and seated in a wheelchair, also attended the three-hour service to pay his final respects to his mentor.

In his eulogy, Marvin spoke of Sharra’s exuberance, which he first experienced when interviewing him for his job less than a year ago. Marvin said, “It was obvious that just the prospect of being hired as a full-time law enforcement officer was so exciting to him. And after I gave him the job, he must have thanked me dozens of times. From then on, he would volunteer for anything that would keep him in that uniform a little longer.”

Marvin ended his speech by telling Sharra’s family to remember that their son, father and husband should be remembered as a hero.

“He will not be forgotten,” Marvin said.

Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the state’s top law enforcement official, attended the service to offer praise and comfort. He gave the family his condolences in their time of grief. He reiterated that they were there to honor not Sharra’s death, but his life.

Lockyer stated, “When Sharra first put on his badge, he knew what was right and just, and throughout his career he has shown his dedication to the people of Kings County, the state and his country. I join you to salute this fallen hero.”

The funeral service at the Hanford Cemetery concluded when Sharra’s pallbearers ended their duty by removing their white cotton gloves and placing them on their comrade’s casket. Wreaths of red roses, a specific request by Sharra’s wife, were then “sent to Heaven” with her husband.

Sharra, who was born in Pittsburgh, PA, joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 1986. He served as an avionics mechanic until August 1995. He continued his service to his community and country as a sergeant in the Army National Guard.

Sharra continued his education at the West Hills Community College from 1991 to 1994 where he majored in Administration of Justice and law enforcement. He graduated from the P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy at the College of Sequoias in Visalia in December 1998.

With Sharra’s prior military history, he was no stranger to public service and devotion to community. He began his law enforcement career in 1993 as a reserve police officer for the city of Huron.

Sheriff Marvin hired him on April 8, 1999, after graduating from the academy. He worked patrol in the Hanford/Lemoore areas.

Sharra’s death is only the second in more than 100 years for the Kings County Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to his wife, Gina, survivors include his daughter, Melissa; son, Richard; stepson, Carl Hatfield; parents, James and Anna Sharra; stepmother, Robin Sharra; and stepsister, Paula.

A special fund for the Sharra family has been set up. Donations may be sent to the Allen Thomas Sharra Fund at the Kings County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, P.O. Box 206, Hanford, CA 93232.