Incident
Officer Tommy De La Rosa was shot and killed after being ambushed by drug suspects in Downey, California. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer De La Rosa returned fire and killed one of the suspects. The three remaining suspects were all apprehended and convicted of Officer De La Rosa's murder. All three were sentenced to life without parole. Officer De La Rosa had served with the Fullerton Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-92A824B8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Tommy. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer De La Rosa gave the Fullerton Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fullerton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer De La Rosa.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Tommy De La Rosa is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Fullerton Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Tommy De La Rosa's cause is highlighted.
How Tommy De La Rosa Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Tommy De La Rosa is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Tommy De La Rosa was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Fullerton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
