On December 7, 1853, Los Angeles County Constable Jack Wheelan, when attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Sonoratown (just north of the Plaza), was stabbed in the chest and killed. The assailant fled and was never apprehended. Constable Wheelan became the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in Los Angeles County.
Including Constable Wheelan, 538 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers died as they performed their duties in or for Los Angeles County. On the grounds of the Sheriff’s Training Center at 11515 Colima Road in Whittier, the name of each officer is inscribed upon a memorial to honor and remember their sacrifice. The Los Angeles Almanac sets aside a special page to record the names of these officers.
Thank you to the Sheriff's Relief Association of L.A. County
and The California Peace Officers Memorial
The Monument
by Sgt. George Hahn, LAPD (Retired)
I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face
"In the line of duty" I hear them say
My family now the price will pay
My folded flag stained with their tears
We only had those few short years
The badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind
And pray they keep this thought in mind
I never dreamed it would be me
And with heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for all here from the past
Dear God, let my name be the last