Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tragically, in our profession, there seems to be "the one" that starts the discussion. You were "the one" that started the discussion on giving up a weapon. How many policies were written because of you? How many hours of training were conducted because of you? How many "if this happens I'll do this and you do that" scenarios have been strategized between officers during lulls in shifts, because of you? I wish you had been exposed to those policies, attended those training hours, and had those strategy sessions with your partner before that night. But you couldn't, because you were "the one". And, in all likelihood, if you had, it would be because someone else before you would have been "the one".

How many of us are alive today because YOU were "the one"? I like to think where you are now, you know the answer to that. I like to think you know those of us who have been able to live full lives because you were "the one" that got the discussion started.

There have been others that started other discussions. Seven years after your incident (I say incident because I can't seem to see you as dead, when you have continued to touch so many lives, but yet I know you were cheated out of so much of your life), four fellow officers of the California Highway Patrol were "the ones" to start the discussion on "high risk vehicle stops".

I'm sorry there has to be "the one". I'm sorry it was you. I'm sorry it was Roger Gore, Walter Frago, George Alleyn and James Pence. I guess the old adage is true: "Someone has to walk the point".

My gratitude - our gratitude - is probably not much consolation for the life you and those like you were deprived of, but it's the best I can do. Thanks for be being "one" of "the one's".

Please know, 57 years later, we have not forgotten you.

NC Officer

March 9, 2020

In 1973 I worked Hollywood Station as a Reserve and saw his picture each tour.
Reminded by a partner not to give up my gun.

After I retired from the Sheriff’s Dept. I took a tour of the Museum and came away with more detail information about the occurrence that night.

Deputy Michael Jung
L.A. County Sheriif

April 22, 2019

56 years have passed since your End of Watch. You are honored and respected each day by not only the citizens of Los Angeles but by this grateful nation that continues to mourn for her son for laying down his life to preserve the freedom and safety of people. Rest well Officer Campbell. May God always cradle you in His loving arms.

Sent with utmost respect and gratitude,

Brandon J. Sullivan

March 9, 2019

56 years have passed since your End of Watch. You are honored and respected each day by not only the citizens of Los Angeles but by this grateful nation that continues to mourn for her son for laying down his life to preserve the freedom and safety of people. Rest well Officer Campbell. May God always cradle you in His loving arms.

Sent with utmost respect and gratitude,

Brandon J. Sullivan

March 9, 2019

Rest in peace young man, this brave officer was immortalized in the book and movie the “Onion Field” by Joseph Wambaugh.

Sergeant Michael R Nolte
Croton on Hudson New York police department

March 6, 2019

On Aug 5, 2006, I left a reflection on this site for you as a fellow piper. Since then, I'm afraid COPD & dentures brought an end to the piping bit (my son continues with my pipes as an EMT). But I can still play in my heart... and think of you. Continue to Rest in Peace Ian & all your Brothers & Sisters in blue.

EWC John Mumper
USN (Ret.)

December 29, 2018

My LAPD father installed a door in his garage to go to the backyard a few weeks before his murder. I had lunch with his two daughters in the house. I was 10 years old but I still remember the event. I think that is because I saw the reaction of my father while he was telling what had happened.

John Robert Miller
friend

July 11, 2018

Ian and I were friends. We both resided in Canoga Park and enjoyed landscaping in our off-duty hours. We talked about opening a landscape design business just prior to his death. The night before, we waved at each other as he passed by my unit at Wilcox and Sunset while heading for Hollywood station. The fatal night I was heading for downtown and was at the intersection of Rinaldi and Sepulveda Boulevard at 11:00 p.m. Later, I learned that he and Karl had been kidnapped and likely had passed that intersection within minutes of when I was there driving a B&W. I often wonder what I would have done if I'd seen him driving the old car n/b heading out of town, or if he might've signaled me. Would I have recognized that he was in dire trouble? And why the commander refused to broadcast Ian and Karl's disappearance in Hollywood in a timely manner I will never understand.

Lieutenant II Waid S. Woodruff #10787
LAPD

June 4, 2018

Sir, you sacrifice will never go unmentioned.

Patrol
FPD

March 11, 2018

RIP Sir. Your situation has provided countless law enforcement officers in many different departments with many thoughts on officer safety. You are definitely not forgotten for your sacrifice.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

March 9, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 55th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 9, 2018

Thankful for the service of Officers Campbell and Hettinger. L.A.P.D. ... one of the finest agencies in California.

Timothy Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired) 5342

February 15, 2018

For a short time, in the late 70's, it was my honor to serve in California Law Enforcement.
I was trained by well seasoned, fair minded, honorable officers.
Everything I learned, from them, has benefited me in some way throughout my life.

God Bless all of those who serve....

Jerry L Hooper
DHS

February 14, 2018

Both you and your partner Karl Hettenger are not forgotten. We never met but I did know Karl as well as CHP Officer Merv Christ and several others involved in the follow-up. Just this week I shared your story and your memory with a young Deputy U.S. Marshal. We agreed that the dedication, service and courage that lonely night in an onion field south of Bakersfield by you and your partner are not forgotten Sir.

Howard Eddy
KCSO / KCDA / BCDA, RET

December 19, 2017

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU SIR, GOD BLESS

J.JAYNES
Arizona State Troopers

November 5, 2017

God Bless you Valerie. A lot of time has passed. I hope peace follows you as the years progress.

I will never forget.

Lori Cleeland-Herian
OCSD, Deputy Sheriff, Retired

September 20, 2017

I read The Onion Field shortly after its release -- I was about 13 and a precocious reader. It may very well have been one of the first non-fiction crime stories I read. Though many would follow, none has attached itself to me like the tragedy of Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger. Humanity lost a man with the soul of a poet, America lost a brave defender, two little girls lost their daddy, a wife - her husband, a mother - her son.

When I find myself thinking about Officer Campbell, I do not dwell on his death. In my mind's eye, he is tucking his children into bed, throwing a casual arm around his wife, visiting his mother...but most of all, he marches on a hill, a solitary piper expressing his sometimes melancholy soul.

In 1993, I gave birth to my son, Ian Campbell B-----. Part tribute to this fallen officer, part tribute to my own deceased brother, my Ian is a young man now, who makes music, who has a generous heart and innate honor, integrity, and empathy. I like to think he lives up to the name.

May God bless and keep you. Thank you for bravely and generously sharing your Ian with the world.

Kathleen

June 3, 2017

Ian Campbell did the best he could with the hand he was dealt. No one should argue that anything was better for those circumstances that what he dealt with. The
problem was not with Ian or Karl but with the bad people who committed the crimes. I am sorry that he was killed as a result of the actions of two bad characters. Glad that they dead; sorry that Ian died.

Rob Phillips
Citizen

March 31, 2017

I was about 14 years old when my uncle a Suffolk County Police Officer loaned me the onion field book.I red it twice and has always resonated in my mind how dangerous this job can be.I joined the NYCPD at the age of 20 years old.I worked in the 75th pct in East New York,LAPD OFFICERS IAN CAMPBELL AND KARL HETTINGERS sacrifice went through my mind every time my partner and I would conduct a motor vehicle stop.MAY GOD BLESS THE TWO OF YOU GREAT MEN,YOUR FAMILIES AND MAY YOU BOTH FINALLY REST IN HEAVEN. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Det.Richard J Pavese
RET.NYCPD DETECTIVE

March 9, 2017

My name is Lori Jauch, I am the granddaughter of Harvey Ross McAllister. He and Ian were very good friends, who played the pipes all the time together, my grandfather was Ians Protege, as well as a retired Sargent of the LAPD. My entire life I was told about the amazing man Ian was and a true friend to my grandfather, so much so that Ian's family asked my grandfather to play the pipes at Ian's funeral. My grandfather agreed but didn't feel he was "good enough" so my grandfather asked another friend John Nicols to play along side at Ian's funeral. I have a hug favor to ask of Ian's family and friends or the men and women who served with them If any one has any "proof" of my grandfather Harvey Ross Mcallister being one of the two pipers that day. The book and movie about the Onion Field only show one, but my grandfather has always said there were two, my grandfathers pipes are on display at the LAPD museum, but because there is no "proof" they have not mentioned he was playing that day. It is my goal to find that photo, letter or what ever i can acquire... please please i am asking for any information, im sorry to post here on a very special page but I am not sure How to find Ians family or officers who may still remember.

Lori Jauch G.daughter of sgt McAllister
Grandaughter

February 4, 2017

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 11, 2016

I know you're always with us, your family, but I really feel that you've been with us more so over the last week or so. Your name, your legacy, the story around your death has been discussed immensely. Sometimes when I'm talking to my son, your namesake, I know you're right there with us. For a little boy who's never met you here in this physical world, has such a strong, loving, sincere and genuine love and affection for you. Many do. Ian is proud of his name and always will be. RIP Grandpa. I know you're in heaven enjoying time with Grandma and looking down on your children and grandchildren. <3

Andrea Diebold
Granddaughter

April 15, 2016

Rest in Peace Ian and Karl

Captain Mark A. Drennen Sr.
Sunstates Security Post Commander

November 30, 2015

Over 52 years have passed since Ian and Karl were kidnapped at Carlos and Gower in Hollywood Division on March 9, 1963. I was a senior in High School and getting ready to join the Marine Corps. After serving our country for four years in the Corps, I joined the LAPD in 1967. My first day on the job, my partner, Carlos Martinez, took me to the intersection of Carlos and Gower and asked me if I knew what happened there in 1963. I remembered then and I remember now what happened to Ian and Karl that night. Over the years I always kept in mind the lessons learned from the onion field and I know that it saved many lives including mine. THANK YOU

On October 9, 2015 there will be a memorial service at Hollywood police station honoring the 8 officers from that division that have been killed in the line of duty. I will have the honor of remembering you and the others from Hollywood who died so that I could raise my family in peace and safety. May you and Karl know that your legacy will always be safe guarded by those who stood guard after you.

Semper Fidelis May Your Name Be Eternal

Retired Detective John E Miller #13738
Los Angeles Police Department

September 6, 2015

Officer Campbell saved many police lives as law enforcement agency's used this tragedy as a training tool. As a retired officer my partners and I discussed this situation many time.
Officer Campbell will live on in our memory forever.
RIP Brother.

Ronnie L Scragg, Captain Mounted Unit
Ontario Police Department

March 9, 2015