Slain Policeman Recalled as Tireless Community Backer

Police Deaths in Line of Duty

Ventura County peace officers

March 13, 1996--Officer James R. Jensen Jr., 30, Oxnard P.D., accidentally shot by a fellow officer during a drug raid.

Aug. 4, 1995--Officer Michael F. Clark, 28, Simi Valley P.D., shot while investigating report of man threatening suicide.

Dec. 2, 1993--Officer James E. O’Brien, 35, Oxnard P.D., shot while pursuing gunman who had killed three people and wounded four at unemployment office.

Nov. 18, 1990--Officer James C. O’Connor, 34, California Highway Patrol, struck on his motorcycle near Santa Ynez by an elderly motorist as he returned from a training session.

April 6, 1985--Officer David Copleman, CHP, traffic accident.

Oct. 7, 1980--Officer John A. Adair, 31, Oxnard P.D., shot during a domestic disturbance call.

Aug. 7, 1978--Sgt. Darlon C. Dowell, 32, Ventura P.D., shot attempting to arrest robbery suspect.

Oct. 25, 1975--Sgt. Thomas K. Collins, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, helicopter crash.

Oct. 12, 1971--Officer Frederick J. Clark, 28, Oxnard P.D., shot during a domestic disturbance call.

June 5, 1970--Deputy Donald E. Haynie, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, shot while pursuing a suspect on foot during a narcotics investigation.

Jan. 20, 1969--Deputy Chester Larson, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, drowned during an evacuation.

Sept. 9, 1961--Deputy Donald L. Gregory, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, automobile accident.

July 15, 1961--Deputy Earl Mendenhall, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, patrol car hit a tree after a mentally ill suspect grabbed the steering wheel.

Aug. 19, 1960--Reserve Deputy Bryce N. Patton, 28, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, shot as he attempted to arrest robbery suspects at a roadblock.

April 15, 1956--Det. Albert Gasperetti, Oxnard P.D., struck by vehicle while directing traffic.

Oct. 8, 1957--Officer Robert Reed, CHP, shot to death by a gunman.

Feb. 7, 1953--Officer James E. Barmore, 27, Santa Paula P.D., lost control of his motorcycle responding to a disturbance.

July 12, 1945--Officer James Vandeweg, CHP, traffic accident.

1943--Officer Harry Hunt, Ojai P.D., cause of death unknown.

Aug. 20, 1921--Sheriff Edward McMartin, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and Chief William E. Kelly, Oxnard P.D., shot while attempting to arrest a murder suspect.

Nov. 27, 1913--Marshal Henry N. Norman, 54, Santa Paula P.D., died after being shot during a gun battle with four men.

March 16, 1906--Deputy Constable Andrew W. McNaughton, shot while investigating a suspicious person.

Sources: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, police departments.

FYI: A trust fund has been set up for the Jensen family. Contributions can be sent to: The Oxnard Police Officers Assn., Channel Island National Bank, 155 South A St., Oxnard, 93030.