Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Garton,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Hawthorne. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 26, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 27, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Garton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 21, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 7th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 26, 2018

I never met you Officer Garton , but I heard so many great stories about you . I did not meet you but every year in your birthday or anniversary of death I leave flowers in your grave site to pay my respects . Thank you for your service ! And enjoy heaven garton #333

Recruit Pacheco ,Jessica
Hawthorne Police

February 25, 2018

I never met you Officer Garton , but I heard so many great stories about you . I did not meet you but every year in your birthday or anniversary of death I leave flowers in your grave site to pay my respects . Thank you for your service ! And enjoy heaven garton #333

Recruit Pacheco ,Jessica
Hawthorne Police

February 25, 2018

Mr. Garton, I remember when I first met you, you were someone who I looked up to and admired. When I heard that you were hit I was shocked, angered, and most of all sad not just for your family but for the people you left behind. Because of you I now wanna pursue a career in law enforcement and I am just beginning my journey as a soon to be police explorer. Thank you and Rest in peace sir

Soon to be Police Explorer
Los Alamitos
April 26, 2016

Eric Ledesma
friend of family

April 26, 2016

Brother, Each time I drive by the freeway and see your name on that sign I think of you. I always tell people how great of a person you were. I enjoyed the laughs we had in the academy and especially admired how much you loved your family. I know you're patrolling heaven right now. The angeles are lucky to have you. You are missed!

Officer Rodney Solorzano
Beverly Hills

September 12, 2015

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 29, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 26, 2015

andy garton is a stand up, honest guy, who I never saw in a bad mood... his smile tells the whole story... his sister , denise, misses him dearly but she is beginning to understand thanks to his ability to reach out and touch her today... hes got quite a spirit, im sure theres much to learn from andy in the years to come... thank you Andrew, chris matthews

friend, chris matthews
human being, old friend

May 1, 2015

Officer Garton, I am wearing a memorial bracelet with your name on it. Thank you for you 7.5 years of service, for your bravery in protecting the public. It is an honor to have your name...

patti adamo
private citizen

May 2, 2014

I never met you but Leonard spoke so highly of you it felt like I knew you.. I know you two are out riding together having a blast. ..I miss him as much as I know he missed you not a day goes by that he doesn't cross my mind. Thank you for being his friend and for being there to greet him...

I. Barreras
Friend of Sgt L. Luna. Hawthorne Pd EOW 7/8/13

August 31, 2013

I think of you often in my thoughts & prayers when I pass thru the intersection of 227th & Hawthorne Blvd when your life was taken from this planet. It was an honor to assist the City of Hawthorne in transporting officials to your service an will forever stay with me being at the funeral of a true hero. God bless you Officer Garton and the Hawthorne P.D.

Jesse Y. Leal, #4114

March 5, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 18, 2012

To the family and friends of Officer Andrew Garton, his fellow officers, and most especially to Andrew:

We honor your service to your community as a law enforcement officer. You will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Andrew was killed in the line of duty. It is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.

May his loved ones continued to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. To Andrew's family, you are in my heart's embrace today. I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow.

Yesterday was your family's first Christmas without you and we are also approaching your eow anniversary date. They are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Andrew gave to his community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 26, 2011

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 26, 2011

I never get tired of reflecting on Officer Garton. Everyone has a story of either, their encounter with him or as a friend or colleague. Here is my story. I was fortunate, to have met Officer Garton, while he was investigating a fatality near a commuter train station. I called in after, hearing reports of a possible vehicle involved in the hit and run accident. But, the description of the vehicle was wrong. I was given Officer Gartons, number to set up an appointment. He was the most courteous and professional. He was even more so in person.
He was never rude, disrespectful or unprofessional. He spoke of his family . He inquired about mine. He asked if he were impeding on my time. Trust me, I could go on and on about what a beautiful person he is. I say "IS" because, although, he may not be on earth in his former body, he will always be around in spirit!
What I love most, about Officer Garton, is when all was said and done.With regards to the interview. I asked him, where the little girls' room was. Officer Garton, did not point to the information desk and say.."there it is" No, he walked over, retrieved the bathroom key , walked back to where I was standing,and escorted me to the bathroom. At that moment, I must have melted like hot butter on breakfast toast! He proved chivalry, was not dead. I pray that Officer Gartons' Mother, Wife and Sons are doing well.

Delorez Ramos
Hawthorne, Resident

December 1, 2011

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiance Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Garton. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Andrew, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Andrew's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Andrew's life was about so much more than the way he died. Andrew will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Garton, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight & a half years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

November 23, 2011

I was not a fellow officer nor friend. I just happened to witness a traffic accident, that officer Garton, investigated. First impressions! "WOW" He was a gentlemen, and a scholar. Without knowing him on a personal level. I know, his job was more of a hobby. Which he did extremely well!
He was meticulous, in everything he did. He made one feel special. He never abused his authority! He was intelligent, caring and from what I witnessed at his beautiful funeral. He lived life to the fullest! I especially, loved how he dedicated his life to God. The love for his wife and sons!

The question was brought up, why Officer Garton, passing away and at such a young age? My personal thoughts. God, remove evil people, from this earth to make life a little easier for the living. God, takes home "ANGELS" like Officer Garton, because, he wants a few good men for himself. I am able to write this much about a man, who made such an impression on me. I can only imagine, what it would have been like to have know him as a friend! His wife and sons, should be extremely, proud, Officer Garton, was one of a kind! I will never forget his acts of kindness towards me!

Delorez Ramos
Interviewed by Officer Garton/Traffic fatality

August 16, 2011

5-Motor-3, we all think of you everyday. What a role model and comedian. Watch over us Andrew... We feel you on every mission, training and call-out. You will never be forgotten, for everything we do now is in your memory.

Our team will never be the same without you.

Police Officer

August 2, 2011

Rest in Peace Officer. You gave your life so other will be safe, God has a great place for you. God Bless you and your Family. The Blue Brotherhood will pray for you and the Family.

Ret. Det Terry Belland
Montclair Ca. Police

July 26, 2011

Rest in peace Officer Garton; your dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

June 14, 2011

Officer Garton,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Garton. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
USBP

June 11, 2011

Thank you for your service. I was raised in Hawthorne, CA and got in the law enforcement because of the professionals like yourself and the other dedicated members of the Hawthorne PD I saw on a daily basis when I was younger. Rest in Peace.

Deputy U.S. Marshal
U.S. Marshals Service

June 10, 2011