Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I found Marshal Mugan's grave stone and final place of rest. He is buried in the Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, Oceanside, California near the Indian Memorial. His records are listed in the cemetery books under Johann Murgan though. His grave stone does indicate John Mugan. Rest in peace brother!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department, California

January 6, 2005

Marshal Mugan, We celebrated in Oceanside, Ca. with a big parade today in a free and safe city because of your sacrifice. Thank you.

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

July 3, 2004

On May 5th 2004, a memorial will be placed in front of the current Oceanside Police Department, 3855 Mission Ave, Oceanside, California honoring the lives and service of Oceanside’s fallen officers, City Marshal Charles "C.C.” Wilson; City Marshal John E. Mugan; and Police Officer Tony Zeppetella. Their sacrifices and the loss by their families is more than any community should have to ask of its Public Servants. Those who wear the badge on their chest, know all too well how quickly the ultimate price can be made in the pursuit of peace and civility. Whether the life is taken during the 19th Century or present day, each is valued in its loss and impact on the betterment of society. Better to have stood in the face of tyranny and fallen for a cause greater than you in hopes that others may enjoy peace, than to have recognized malice and not have acted! God Bless Marshal Wilson, Marshal Mugan and Officer Zeppetella. You did your duty! Rest in peace! We will continue your work!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

May 3, 2004

On May 5th 2004, a memorial will be placed in front of the current Oceanside Police Department, 3855 Mission Ave, Oceanside, California honoring the lives and service of Oceanside’s fallen officers, City Marshal Charles "C.C.” Wilson; City Marshal John E. Mugan; and Police Officer Tony Zeppetella. Their sacrifices and the loss by their families is more than any community should have to ask of its Public Servants. Those who wear the badge on their chest, know all too well how quickly the ultimate price can be made in the pursuit of peace and civility. Whether the life is taken during the 19th Century or present day, each is valued in its loss and impact on the betterment of society. Better to have stood in the face of tyranny and fallen for a cause greater than you in hopes that others may enjoy peace, than to have recognized malice and not have acted! God Bless Marshal Wilson, Marshal Mugan and Officer Zeppetella. You did your duty! Rest in peace! We will continue your work!

Officer Mat Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

May 3, 2004

Merry Christmas! Marshal Mugan you are remembered!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

December 18, 2003

Marshal Mugan you are not forgotten!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

November 14, 2003

How successful an organization is and how its members view the organization can best be affected by how the organizations treats or recognizes it past members' sacrifices and achievements. City Marshal John Mugan was an early pioneer of law enforcement in the City of Oceanside, the County of San Diego, the State of California, and yes even the United States. The hardships he endured and obstacles he overcame cannot be measured by today's standards. Equally this could be said of present day Police Officers in comparison to the times of the late 1800's and early 1900's, when Oceanside City Marshal Wilson served. One thing that remains unchanged is the basic mission of keeping the peace, preserving order and the high risk involved when any officer (Present Day or Old West) puts their lives on the line in pursuit of a worthy objective. Many of the Officers today may not readily know who City Marshal John Mugan was, but most likely share the same ethos that is known by all who wear a badge and sometimes go into harm's way.

I am respectfully submitting this reflection as recognition for the sacrifice and acts of bravery City Marshal John Mugan exhibited on the day of his death. Officers like City Marshal Mugan of the 20th Century, who have been overlooked, for their heroic and brave service are equally valued still today as we enter the 21st Century. The essence of promoting "Espirt de Corps" is embedded in how we treat our fallen.

City Marhsal John Mugan you did your duty and Oceanside is a better place because of you.

Respectfully Submitted,