Orange County Sheriff's Department
September 22, 2002

Sgt. Matthew Davis, a 16 year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, was killed in an on-duty motorcycle accident in Mission Viejo. Sgt. Davis' motorcycle collided with a Saturn driven by a 17 yr. old female. The accident is under investigation as of this writing. Sgt. Matthews is survived by his wife three children.

Red Bluff Police Department
November 19, 2002

Officer Mobilio, a four year veteran of the Red Bluff Police Department, was shot and killed while putting gas in his patrol car at a local gas station. A 23 yr. Old male was arrested in Concord, New Hampshire. Police there were tipped off when the man told a reporter that he killed a police officer in Red Bluff, Ca. He said it was his way of drawing attention to police brutality. Officer Mobilio is survived by his wife, Linda, their 19 month old son and his parents.

El Monte P.D.
Nov. 22, 2002

Officer Johnston was shot and partially paralyzed on January 29, 1990. He chose not to take a medical retirement, instead returning to duty a year after the shooting. Officer Johnston, even though he was in a wheelchair, worked as as a Detective in missing children, did background investigations and even worked as a helicopter observer. He worked 10 full years and it was determined that he contracted cancer as a result of his wounds. Officer Johnston’s health deteriorated until he was honorably retired in November of 2001. In my eyes, Officer Johnston was a very special Police Officer.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.
November 30, 2002

Deputy Powell, a 20 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Dept. was shot through the side opening in his vest while investigating a shots fired call in Artesia. Deputy Powell and several backup units saw a man run inside the location of the shooting as they arrived. They heard screaming and saw the man holding a woman hostage inside. As Dep. Powell attempted to kick the front door, someone inside fired two rounds, piercing his right arm and then passing through the opening in his vest. Deputy Powell is survived by his wife Emma, four daughters, seven grandchildren, his twin brother and his parents.

Long Beach PD
February 4, 2003

Corporal Davenport was found unconscious on the grounds of the pistol range grounds next to a ladder, suffering from a head wound and in full cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beverly and his three adult children.

Riverside County S.D.
March 18, 2003

Deputy Jenkins, a 13 year veteran of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, was killed in a single vehicle traffic collision while on patrol in the Banning area. He is survived by his wife and four children (ages 12, 17, 21 and 25).

Anaheim PD
U.S.M.C.
April 7, 2003

Officer Edward Smith was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Smitty, as he was known to his fellow Anaheim police officers, was one of hundreds of police officers who also serve our country in the U.S. Military. Smitty was a 20 yr. Veteran of the Marine Corps. As well as a 4 yr. Veteran of the Anaheim Police Department as a reserve police officer. He was due to retire from the Corps upon his return from Iraq and become a full time police officer with Anaheim. Smitty is survived by his wife Sandy and their three children.

Pittsburgh PD
April 15, 2003

Inspector Giacomelli was shot and killed execution style during a murder investigation. Inspector Giacomelli entered a home believed to be abandoned and was surprised by the suspect. The suspect was shot and killed in a shoot-out with officers in Modesto two days after the murder. Inspector Giacomelli is survived by wife Maria and two teenage daughters.

San Diego PD
April 25, 2003

Officer Griffin died and April 25th after being removed from life support. He was struck by a vehicle, 10 days earlier while conducting a radar speed check. He is survived by his 15 year old daughter.

Riverside County SD
May 13, 2003

Deputy Lee died of head wounds he suffered during a struggle with a suspect during a domestic disturbance call. The suspect apparently gained control of Deputy Lee’s baton and struck him with it. The suspect was shot and killed by a back-up deputy who arrived at the scene a short time later and found Deputy Lee lying motionless on the ground. Deputy Lee is survived by his wife, mother, father and sister.

Fresno County Sheriff’s Dept.
May 29, 2003

Deputy Lancaster was killed when his unmarked vehicle was broadsided by a car being pursued by Sanger police. Deputy Lancaster and his 24 year old wife, Heather, were scheduled to move out of their apartment and into their first home on that Thursday. Instead, Fresno County deputies helped Heather move into the home.

Oceanside P.D.
June 13, 2003

Officer Zeppetella was shot and killed during a “routine” traffic stop. Witnesses stated he went up and contacted the driver and within seconds, he was shot. The suspect escaped in Officer Zeppetella’s radio car, which he abandoned a short time later and fled on foot. The suspect, a confirmed gang member, gave himself up a short time later. Officer Zeppetella was the first Oceanside Officer killed in the line of duty since 1916. He is survived by his wife and 6 month old daughter.

Inglewood P.D.
June 24, 2003

Officer Fred Small was an Inglewood Motor Officer and former N.F.L. football player. He was killed in a three vehicle collision on the 60 (Pomona) freeway, when a 16 yr. old female driver lost control of her car, swerved into another vehicle. Both vehicles then struck Officer Small’s motorcycle. Officer Small had served in the Inglewood, Westminister and Los Angeles Community College Police Departments He is survived by his wife and four children.

Los Angeles Police Dept.
June 25, 2003

Detective Barron was killed in an on-duty traffic accident when he and his partner were struck head on by a pick up truck illegally passing a semi-tractor trailer in a rural area on Hwy 138 in San Bernadino County. The driver of the pick up was arrested for manslaughter and gross negligence at the hospital.

San Diego P.D.
June 26, 2003

Officer Bennett was killed when his police motorcycle was intentionally rammed during a vehicle pursuit. He was chasing a stolen pick up, when the driver ran into him. After knocking Officer Bennett off of his bike, the man turned around and ran over the officer as he fled. The suspect was arrested approx. 10 minutes later.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
August 2, 2003

Deputy Sorenson was shot and killed while investigating a trespassing call in Lake Los Angeles, a remote area of L.A. County. He lived and worked in the community where vowed to make a difference and did. As of this writing there is an intensive manhunt for his killer. Deputy Sorenson leaves behind his wife Julie, an adult son and an adopted child.