REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN OFFICERS

May we always remember and honor our fallen officers who served Palos Verdes Estates.


Sergeant V. Thomas Vanderpool - End of Watch: Monday, February 14, 1994

Prior to joining the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, Sgt. Tom Vanderpool served on the Los Angeles Police Department.  During his early years, he was on duty during the Watts Riot and stood guard "knee deep" in mud to help secure homes partially flooded during the Baldwin Hills disaster in the 1970s.  He took a break from police work to go into business but missed the challenge of being a police officer.  He joined the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department in 1981.

Captain Michael Wayne Tracy - End of Watch: Monday, February 14, 1994

Capt. Mike Tracy was raised in Torrance, graduated from Torrance High School and pursued a lifelong ambition to become a police officer.  He began his career in 1966 as a Reserve Officer with the Garden Grove Police Department.  After completing the Los Angeles Sheriff's Academy, he was hired on full-time with Palos Verdes Estates Police Department in 1969.  In 1974 and 1975, Captain Tracy was presented with the South Bay Medal of Valor Award.