Tragedy in the South Bay

One police officer was killed Thursday and a second officer injured after a collision between two motorcycles performing escort duty at a funeral for a Manhattan Beach Cailf. police officer.

Motor officer Anrew Garton from the Hawthrone Calif. police dept. was killed after colliding with motor officer Rex Fowler from the El Segundo Calif. police department. Officer Fowler was listed in stable condition at a local hospital. Both officers were performing funeral escort duty for Manhattan Beach police officer Mark Vasquez, who had recently passed away from cancer.The collision occurred in the city of Torrance at about 12:34 p.m. near the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd. and 227th st. Officer Garton was killed after being thrown from his motorcycle into oncoming traffic.

Officer Garton was a 7 1/2 year veteran of the Hawthorne police department who had been a motor officer for 4 years. Garton also served on the S.W.A.T. team. Officer Garton is survived by his wife and two sons, aged 7 and twelve.

Officers from the California Highway Patrol are investigating the incident. Further information including video can be found HERE and HERE.

(Information compiled from local news sources)

*******

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of both Officer Garton and Officer Vasquez, one tragedy followed by another. Needless to say the loss is felt by many agencies in the south bay area, which is a collection of small cities located just south of Los Angeles.

R.I.P. fellas.