A deputy constable with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who was shot and killed in Newhall in 1909 is one of four fallen officers honored Wednesday by Sheriff Lee Baca.
Historical research determined that the four Southland officers who were killed in the line of duty between 1909 and 1919 – three with the Sheriff’s Department and one with Pomona PD – were worthy of inclusion on the Memorial Wall at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services Center in Whittier, where Wednesday’s ceremony was held.
In attendance were numerous federal, state and local dignitaries, in addition to family members, friends and co-workers of the fallen officers.
“Bronze plaques with the names of the four peace officers now join the other 479 law enforcement officers whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall to honor their dedication to duty and the ultimate sacrifice they made,” a Sheriff’s statement said. The Memorial FLame was lit in their honor.
The four newly honored officers are:
Deputy Constable Charles A. De Moranville
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
EOW January 4, 1909
On January 4, 1909, Deputy Constable De Moranville responded to a Newhall saloon in search of a suspect who had been involved in a fight. He discovered the suspect was no longer at that location. Deputy Constable De Moranville suddenly heard gunshots. He ran toward the direction of the shots and encountered the suspect near some railroad tracks. A gunfight ensued and Deputy Constable De Moranville was shot. The bullet entered under his arm and lodged in his heart. He was killed instantly. The suspect was captured a short time later. The Sheriff at the time of his death was William A. Hammell.
Deputies Harry S. Guard & Emma Benson
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
EOW March 20, 1919
On March 20, 1919, Deputies Guard and Benson had just transported a mentally ill patient to an asylum in Norwalk in heavy rain when they came upon a railroad crossing in (now) Pico Rivera. Believing he could safely cross the tracks prior to a street car’s arrival, Deputy Guard accelerated through the crossing. The street car and sheriff’s car collided, dragging the car several hundred feet. Both deputies were killed instantly.
Recent research revealed that Deputy Emma Benson was the first female deputy sheriff killed in the line of duty in the United States. Deputy Benson was the sister-in-law of (then) Sheriff John C. Cline.
Chief Henry P. Tracy
Pomona Police Department
EOW May 3, 1915
On May 3, 1915, Chief Tracy was on duty and riding as a passenger on a police motorcycle with another officer when they were struck by a truck. Chief Tracy was thrown from the motorcycle, landing 15 feet ahead of the truck. He was transported to a local hospital and died a few hours later.
LASD Honors Officer Who Was Shot to Death in Newhall - in 1909
