Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Pohlman was shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest. He was on patrol when he smelled ether coming from a home. Believing there was a clandestine PCP manufacturing lab, he requested assistance. He and his backup officer began checking the perimeter of the home when one subject fled on foot from inside. Deputy Pohlman chased the subject and was able to capture him in the backyard of 3434 Whiteside Street. During the ensuing struggle, the subject was able to gain control of Deputy Pohlman's revolver and shot him. Deputy Pohlman died at the scene. The suspect, 19, was apprehended, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to 11 years and 8 months on December 6, 1978. Deputy Pohlman had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and 5-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-FFA82CDE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Pohlman gave the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pohlman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Thomas H. Pohlman is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept., 58 of 120 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas H. Pohlman's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas H. Pohlman Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 11 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas H. Pohlman is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas H. Pohlman was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
119 officers from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
