Sergeant Gary W. Wolfley

Sergeant Gary W. Wolfley | Rialto Police Department, California
Rialto Police Department, California
Sergeant Gary W. Wolfley

Rialto Police Department, California

End of Watch Monday, March 3, 1986

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Gary W. Wolfley

Sergeant Gary Wolfley was shot and killed after responding to an unknown disturbance at a local gas station.

When he arrived on the scene he observed two men standing next to a gas pump. One of the men immediately began to run and was pursued by Sergeant Wolfley. A struggle ensued behind the service station and the suspect was able to gain control of Sergeant Wolfley's weapon and shoot him.

Sergeant Wolfley's wife, who was with him on a ride along, called for backup. As backup officers were being dispatched, the man took Sergeant Wolfley's gun and ran northbound behind the gas station.

He shot at the first responding backup officer through the cruiser's windshield, but missed the officer. The man then ran and jump through an apartment window and shot the resident in the leg. The resident of the apartment was able to get out as the subject barricaded himself in the apartment. Responding officers from the Rialto, Fontana, and San Bernardino police departments were able to contain the man in the apartment complex. The man later surrendered to police after a night long stand off.

He was convicted of Sergeant Wolfley's murder and subsequently sentenced to death.

Sergeant Wolfley was survived by his wife, who became an officer with the Fontana Police Department one year later.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to death

disturbance, foot pursuit

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I attended a prayer vigil this past week for Deputy Tobin Bolter Ada County Sheriff’s Department. I am now living in Idaho. Tobin’s death struck me so hard and brought back the immense heartache I felt in 1986 with Gary’s senseless death. Gary’s life mattered and will never be forgotten.

I was asked today if there was something from my LEO career I would like to forget. I responded with the memory of my first scheduled night as a rookie. I was suppose to have been riding with my training officer Gary Wolfley, but his wife had decided to ride with him that night. I had met him prior and was excited to be assigned to him. He had a great attitude, superb sense of humor. During our first meet and greet everyone told me how lucky I was to be assigned to Gary. After only an hour of meeting with him I could tell it was going to be a great learning experience.

Unfortunately, he was taken from us that night. In his death he taught me life’s lessons over and over. His death made me a better person and a better LEO. If I could have erased that night I would. I have honored Gary through my career and have never forgotten his smile.

He may not have ever officially trained me but through the lessons and experiences I learned more that night then a rookie has ever learned from a training officer. Gary you kept me safe as I have always kept you in my heart and mind through my career.

Det. Sergeant
RPD and San Diego County Sheriff
November 14, 2021

Jane McClain

April 29, 2024

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