Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am currently completing my application packet for a career with the LAPD and I am also a college student. Today in class, my teacher who is a retired LAPD officer, told us the story of Officer Campbell and and his partner Officer Hettinger. As an LAPD officer hopeful, as I sat listening to the story, I could not help but think that this tragedy was something out of a movie script. I was speechless and frighetened. Nevertheless, it gave me even more inspitration to become a police officer. Officer Campbell, Officer Hettinger, you did not die in vain. You have given people like me inspiration to get out there in the streets and lock up criminals. Both of you are my guides.

Cairo Valle
LAPD officer hopeful

March 14, 2006

My father (Los Angeles Detective: Robert M. Endler) was asked to notify your family of your death, on the night of your murder by a criminal. My mother told me that he came home visibly shaken and emotionally drained. He told her that he hoped that he would never have to do anything like that again.
Ironically, 11 months later he and his partner (Los Angeles Detective Sergeant: Charles P. Monaghan) were also gunned down at the hands of a criminal, and I'm sure that the officer(s) that had to deliver this terrible news to our families, felt the same way, when they arrived safely at home to their loved ones.

How many people go to their jobs each day with the understanding that there is a possibility that they may not be returning home at the end of their shift?

A police officer doesn't dwell on the negative possibilities of their job, but rather the opportunities that they are given each day to create a safe place for their families, friends, and everyone in the community who have the same goals for their own family and friends.

We appreciate your sacrifice, and we will never forget you.

Craig Endler

December 31, 2005

The only thing that I have to remember you by are family member's memories, some old pictures and old letters. Everything that I have will be passed down to your namesake, your great-grandson...my son, Ian. You are thought of every day by so many and were loved by so many. Although I never got to meet you, I know I will one day. Your life was taken to abruptly and too pre-maturely. We will forever remember you and love you.

Andrea

December 13, 2005

I have seen the movie many times and it still chills me to watch the events unfold. I was loaned to HWD div back in the early 90s and was taken to the scene of the traffic stop by my partner. It made me feel different emotions as I stood there. I am truly sorry that you had to lose your life in such a horrible manner from some coward. God bless, Rest in Peace Sir and one day I would be honored to meet you in God's rollcall room !

P-2 W. CESPEDES 30086
6 years US ARMY(84-90) 15 years LAPD

December 10, 2005

Officer Campbell -

The book held me captive as a teenager. I was a new cop when I saw the movie and cried in the darkness of the theatre.

many times, as a Training Officer, we would drive our rookies to Carlos & Gower and discuss what happened to you and your partner, Karl Hettinger.

On the 40th anniversary of your death, we assempled on that Forest lawn hillside to fold a flag over your grave and salute you yet again.

There is a Hollywood Blvd-style 'Walk of Fame' star in front of Hollywood station with your name on it. All who enter by the front door must pass your way. All those cops who go upstairs to change into uniform must pass a framed photo of that onion field, with the crime scene tape on it and the warning that it ended there, but began in Hollywood. In that way, we do not forget you.

Sleep well Marine, we will stand watch on your behalf.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 28, 2005

Years ago I went to church with an Ian Campbell so was surprised to
see you had the same name. All
these years later we still honor your
service, sacrifice and your memory.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

August 31, 2005

Ian, you were immortalized by Joe Wambaugh and rightly so. Your loss was tragic and what the system did after was just as tragic. God Bless you for your sacrifice.
I mourn Karl Hettinger as well. He, thank God survived that horrible night, but he died a little inside and that too is tragic.
It's sad that you were taken from this Earth so early and so unjustly and that justice was never truly served for either you or Karl.
Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 20, 2005

I READ ABOUT YOU IN "THE ONION FIELD", YOU ARE TRULLY AN ETERNAL HERO. YOUR HARD WORK AN DEDICATION WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.WHEN PEOPLE SAY WE "DONT DO ANYTHING" , I TELL THEM OF YOUR SACRIFICE.YOU TRULLY DESERVE THOSE WINGS YOU ARE WEARING.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

May 3, 2005

Your sacrifice and struggle has saved many other officers. Rest in peace.

Police Officer

March 8, 2005

OFFICER CAMPBELL,

My best friend was killed by gunfire on 1-6-05, Columbus, OH Police Officer Bryan S. Hurst.

I spend about 1 to 2 hours a day reading memorials and reflections. Today I thought of "The Onion Field."

I watched it with my Dad when I was a little boy. So I decided to try to find out who you are so I could read your memorial and reflections.

Though it has been almost 42 years since your death, your memory lives on.

You and all the other Line of Duty Deaths will never be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family, friends, and all law enforcement officers.

Brandon C. Walton

Brandon C. Walton
Best Friend of Officer Bryan Hurst EOW 1-06-05

February 15, 2005

Officer Campbell-your life and even your death has been an inspiration to many officers. Because of what happened to you and the lessons learned, countless officers have survived situations that could have turned out badly.
One Campbell to another, I salute you sir and tell you that you are not forgotten-a coward dies a thousand deaths, a Hero dies but once.

Deputy
Sheriff

December 7, 2004

I remember reading "The Onion Field" when I was younger. It made me cry then as the movie makes me cry now.

You lived and died a hero

Rest in peace.

September 23, 2004

Brother Ian Campbell, my wife and I watched "The Onion Field" last night. We extend our deepest heart felt sympathies, you are in our prayers. May god keep you close to his heart like our other brothers and sisters that we have needlessly lost. Carl is back with you now, take care of each other.
Your friends from the north.
Simon Moussa, North East Region
Snowmobile, ATV, Vessel Enforcement Team and Cold Case Investigator, Ontario Provincial Police
North Bay, Ontario Canada

Provincial Constable Simon Moussa # 8051
Ontario Provincial Police, S.A.V.E.Team

August 30, 2004

God Bless this family, I watched The Onion Field today, it was something I made myself do, as difficult as it was to watch I believe I owed this to Officer Campbell. I am a mother of a fallen officer(Gunfire also) and I feel I know this officer in heart. This story breaks my heart. All Officers are subject to this kind of situation everyday, God Bless them all, and keep them safe.

Pat Carruth
Mother of Officer
Jeremy"Jay" Carruth
EOW 2/20/03

Pat Carruth,

August 22, 2004

may god be with you and your partner..rest in peace...

skip roberson

August 16, 2004

I have watched the onion field many times over and and over again. We never know till we are confronted with situation. We can not quarter back it.
Like they say you have to have been there. Deputy Mario A. Morales #150

Deputy Sheriff (PATROL)
Santa Cruz County,Arizona

July 5, 2004

Dear Ian, family and friends of Ian:

I read the Onion Field many years ago prior to begining my law enforcement career. I was "haunted" by your story and the aftermath faced by your partner, who I understand has since passed away. My wife Sharon, who is the executive director of the 100 Club of Arizona and police survivor, has often said it is more difficult and painful to live than to die:(

Peace be with you both! I have been to the National Peace Officer Memorial the last 6 years, ever since my wife's first husband was placed on the memorial in 1999. I visit your name and your memory on the wall every year. I just wanted you to know someone thinks of you often.

Our prayers for your friends and family,

David A. Felix, Lt. Col.
Assistant Director
Arizona Dept. of Public Safety

Lt. Col. David Felix, Asst. Director
Arizona Dept. of Public Safety

June 9, 2004

Ian,

It's coming up on March 9th, Ian. It's been forty-one years since you were callously and needlessly cut down and left to die in a dirty ditch. It's been forty-one years since Karl ran screaming through the night. Forty-one years, and have you ever known peace? I have taken up playing the bagpipes, Officer Campbell, partly in your honor-- in honor of your incongruous love for that unfriendly sound. Every time I pick up my chanter, Ian, I think of what happened to you, and I am truly sorry.

Thank you for your fine, dignified, gracious service.

Gabriel L. Nathan
Author:

March 8, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Ian Campbell... our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Ian... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vin and Pook- Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

November 19, 2003

I saw the "Onion Field", and two days later experienced my first officer death. Havn't been right since.
Ian, as you now know, Jesus Loves You. So do we!
Your partner is gone, may the demons inside him return to hell where they belong, and may he Rest In Peace.

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond,Va Police

October 1, 2003

I saw the movie "The Onion Field". It was the first movie that taught me about how a police officer can encounter a brutal and crazed person. Officer Campbell was a brave and courageous officer. May he rest in peace with St. Michael in God's great heaven...............My condolences to his family. He will never be forgotten.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

Rest in peace Officer Campbell

Officer Don Hurley
Eloy Az. Police Department

I am watching the onion field as i type this and have seen it and read the book a dozen times...although i messed up and can not become a police officer..It is something i will regret forever..But i truly want you to know Officer Ian Campbell.. That i hurt everytime an officer is laid to rest ..because in my heart i know that was my brother ... all i can offer now is my heart and soul to every officer out there...and god bless you for the selfless sacrifice you made... you are not forgotten...my brother in heaven

Gob Bless

Officer Campbell's story became the basis for the movie "The Onion Fields" with James Woods. Sadly the movie is much more true to life than we wish.

Anonymous