Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Landed on Patrolman Edgington's page while listening to his son Gary on the Game of Crimes podcast- I know he would be proud. Rest in Peace

Chief Investigator / Det. Lt. Beau Edgin
Brandon Police Department, Brandon, Mississippi

November 16, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Edgington.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2021

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 30, 2020

I was a student worker for the Harbor Department when out of nowhere I heard shots fired I believe on Tahiti Way. A gunman holding either an AR-15 or an AK-47 walked approximately 25 yards in front of me with his back towards me and started to just spray the adjacent apartment building with bullets indiscriminately. I shouted out on my County Truck radio that shots were being fired at my location. We were on the same frequency with the Harbor Patrol. Within minutes the gunman, who was known by the Sheriffs, ran into his apartment and reloaded came out and started a mini war. Harbor Patrol, (they were not Sheriffs at that time), Sheriffs, Highway Patrol and LAPD were on scene within minutes and all engaged in a gun battle that miraculously ended with no injuries and the suspect in custody. Hearing the soft sounds of bullets passing by my head is something I wish on no-one. Officer Harold Edgington and I shook our heads in disbelieve when we both stood next to the patrol car the suspect was being held in. That suspect became Officer Edgingtons assailant a few years later. The shock and disbelieve upon reading about his death by the same person years later has always had an obvious impact. I was honored years later to be a trusted victims advocate for the Manhattan Beach Police Department for 13 years during the 90's. His son Gary also served as an Police Officer for MBPD and was in the Sheriffs academy when his dad died. I don't know Gary because he left before I signed on but his courage to continue in law enforcement was always admired. I wish him and the extended family the best on this anniversary as they should know (which I am sure if is of no surprise) Harold was good man with a great soul.

Stewart Fournier
County of Los Angeles Harbor Department

September 30, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

September 30, 2017

I want to submit ancestral facts. I share a distant relative with him. George Edgington. He was like 6-7 great grandfather. The story goes he was living in London in the 1700's and when he was 15-6 his father whipped him, so he snuck on a ship headed for America, he was a stowaway. So he ended up in Ohio. He was very young ....basically a child...tho things were way different in those days. He and like 6-7 welsh children were captured by Indians. The Indians scalped, literally, all the other kids and spared him. I think he injured an Indian somehow. I don't know what happened next but I know his family settled in ohio, then a generation went to Missouri and the next to LA. I wanted to collect facts and post them, however I'm getting old and I would end up losing the opportunity to share this. We have a 5-6 generation grandmother named Marsha Lester... I'm sure that's where he gets his middle name. Rest In Peace, cousin. I'm sure I'll meet you soon. Ancestry and blood are powerful powered by true love.

Distant relative Peter Walters
Citizen

April 22, 2017

All, it has been my honor to research the lives of many of the peace officers who have died in the line of duty while working for the LASD or the agencies that we have absorbed over the years. I am currently researching the life of Officer Edgington.
A couple of days ago retired Deputy Sheriff Chris Miller, who also produced the training film based on Deputy Edgington's death, and I interviewed Elizabeth Bloch who witnessed this incident but was never interviewed at the time regarding what she saw. Elizabeth provided an entirely different take on what transpired that day than what ended up in the official record. She reiterated to us what she said in her remembrance about Officer Edgington above that he likely saved her life. That was never known at the time.
I am interested in contacting anyone else who was witness that day or responded to this incident to get your version of events. I would also like to speak with family members, if any would be so kind as to talk with me.
My email address is [email protected].
Our fallen heroes should not be forgotten and it is my quest to make sure that they are known as more than just a date of death and a description of the incident that took them from us.
I can tell by many of the remembrances left about Officer Edgington above that he was a wonderful man. If any of you would like to help me do full justice to his story, please contact me.
Thank you.

Lt. John Stanley
Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

February 28, 2014

My Dad, Sgt. Dale Edge, worked with Patrolman Edgington on the Harbor Patrol. I was only 8 years old when Patrolman Edgington was killed. If I recall correctly, my Dad was working the day it happened. I've heard him tell the story many times over the years. Dad was a difficult man to please but he always spoke very highly of Patrolman Edgington. Dad took my brother Erik and I to Marina del Rey after he retired to show us the plaque that hangs in the HP office commemorating Patrolman Edgington's life of service and ultimate sacrifice. It was important to our Dad that we understand and appreciate the significance of Patrolman Edgington's life and sacrifice.

Patrolman Edgington: I am a brother in blue and your sacrifice means more to me and to my family than words can describe. You lived the life of a warrior. May you rest in peace.

Corporal Bret Edge
Moab City Police Department

February 26, 2014

I am the daughter of Sgt Bob Dean. My dad worked with Harold and spoke often of him. He was part of many converstions over family dinners and also when dad lectured me when I became a Harbor Patrolman in Avalon.

Before my dad's recent passing, Harold was again the topic of conversation. Dad would say he's "going to see Harold".

I miss them both.

Sgt. Chrissy Dean Jones
Fredericksburg Rescue Squad, VA. Daughter of Sgt Bob Dean

January 22, 2013

I was a rookie fireman and responded to the assault on Officer Edington 09-30-1979. As we rolled into the scene, we rolled past the scene where other responding officers and deputies had gunned down Officer Edington's killer. It had been a beautiful, peaceful day in Marina del Rey up until this incident occurred. Our crew worked very aggressively attempting to save the severely-wounded fallen officer. We accompanied him to the ER with hopes something could be done. We were all taken-back and saddened with his loss when the doctors told us he was beyond medical help. I was a young man then. I did not know Officer Edington, but I will never forget his senseless, tragic death. Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers have a very close professional bond. It hurts us all to lose a 'brother' or 'sister'. After 33 years I found this post and hope to express my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers.

Josh Roten, Fire Captain (retired)
Responded to incident

March 19, 2012

When I was 12 years old, I was sitting in traffic with my mother in Marina Del Rey, when this suspect crossed the street in front of our car. I observed the police shoot the suspect and ever since, I have wondered who the police officer was and what actually took place. From what I remembered, the officer was very close to retirement and he was well known in the marina and well liked. I just want to send my condolences to his family.

Sgt. Darrin Frommeyer
McCracken Co. Sheriff's Dept.

August 27, 2011

I have held this story for many years. The officers at the scene did not choose to take my name or story. But, I was there on the scene before and during the whole incident. I don't know if he was the target or I was. He may have saved my life that day. I was just starting College in L.A. and this event was terrible and sad and had a profound effect upon me. If someone from the force or family want to talk with me please feel free to email me. [email protected]
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Bloch
I was a witness before the incident

November 7, 2010

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Edgington. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 30, 2009

I grew up hearing about my father's co-worker, Harold Edgington. My Father was a Sgt in the Los Angeles Co. Harbor Patrol from the mid to late 60's until I think 1980 or 1981. My father always spoke very highly of Patrolmon Edginton, both as a fellow officer and as a friend! I just wanted to leave a tribute for this fallen hero!

The Final Inspection

The warrior stood and faced God,
Which will always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, old warrior,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?”

The warrior squared his shoulders and
Said, “No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
‘Cause those of us who carry guns
Can’t always be saint.

“I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
‘Cause the world is awfully rough.

“But, I never took a penny
That wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

“And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

“I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.

“If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand. In life
I didn’t expect nor need too much,
So if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the warrior stood quietly.
For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, my warrior,
You’ve born your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”

Erik Edge
Son of fellow Harbor Patrolman, Dale Edge

December 22, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 28, 2007

I REMEMBER SEEING THE VIDEO MADE BY THE DEPT WHEN I WAS IN THE EXPLORER ACADEMY AND IN THE DEPUTY ACADEMY. I LEARNED A LOT FROM THAT VIDEO AS HAVE MANY DEPUTIES AND POLICE OFFICERS BEFORE ME. I'M SORRY YOU WERE TAKEN FROM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MDR DEPUTIES TOOK APPROPRIATE ACTION SO YOUR FAMILY WOULDN'T HAVE TO ENDURE THE PAIN OF A TRIAL. GOOD BLESS YOU.

DEPUTY RAMON ESCAMILLA
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT/ IDT STATION

September 8, 2007

Dad, I miss you so much. Hardly a day passes and I don't think of how much you would love your grandkids. At Christmas, mom mentioned how much we all missed you and how you would spoil my kids. I'am very proud of you and glad that you have not been forgotten by our brothers and sisters. I too have seen that video and have learned many valuable lessons from it. As I near retirement I think of all that I've seen and done and the stories I could tell you. I'm also very proud to see that Sandy and Mary's son picked up the badge. I know you'll watch over him like you watched over me. Till we meet again.

Gary

Special Agent Supervisor Gary Edgington
California Dept. Of Justice, Son

December 27, 2006

To Deputy Sheriff Scott C. Ostash:

You said you wondered if your great-uncle's incident was talked about and if some young officer learned from it. Just tonight I had my trainee take a look at your great-uncle's memorial plaque at our station and do a research paper on him. Hopefully my trainee will learn a lesson from the story he will discover.

Harold,
I can remember watching the story of your death at the Academy. You are not forgotten here at MDR.

A Marina Del Rey Deputy
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

December 3, 2006

Your memory lives on amongst many of us who utilize the LASD training video in our officer survival classes. RIP, Bro !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 15, 2006

Harold,
You were my great-uncle. Your brother Charles was my grandfather and you very special to my mom. I have very few memories of you because you died when I was very young. I do have a faint recollection of you playing with me on my grandparents' living room rug. I think I was three or four. I remember the pain my grandparents and parents felt the day you were killed, but I was too young to understand what was happening.
16 years afer your death, a badge was pinned on my chest and, just like you, I swore to protect and serve as an Orange County Deputy Sheriff, a duty I have performed proudly for the past ten years.
Every so-often, pages from this web-site find their way into my divisions briefing book and I always wondered if your incident was talked about and if some young officer learned from it. If so, then your death was not in vain.
I just thought I'd write a few words to let you know that I think about you from time to time and I wish we could have gotten to know each other.

Deputy Sheriff Scott C. Ostash
Orange County Sheriff Dept.

May 12, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 30, 2004

Harold after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! I remember watching the video reenactment of your attack in the academy and I have never forgotten it. May you rest in peace sir. Please know that by officers learning about what happened to you has saved officers lives. Rest easy. Your duty is now done. Never forget the fallen hero!

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

August 9, 2004