United States of America
Headstone of Frank DeWar

Frank DeWar

Died January 29, 1932

Frank DeWar.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Chief Deputy Sheriff Frank DeWar was killed in an airplane accident while returning from Bakersfield after investigating a lead in a kidnapping case. The pilot of the Century-Pacific Airlines plane attempted to fly low under the clouds of a storm but was forced to turn back. The plane struck a ridge in Johnson Canyon on the Tejon Ranch, near Lebec, Kern County. The pilot and all seven passengers were killed. Despite a massive air search involving over 100 planes, the wreckage was not located until one week later when a rancher driving along the Ridge Route Highway spotted it. Chief Deputy DeWar was a WWI veteran and was in charge of the Special Anti-Gangster Duty.

Media
Frank DeWar
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Service Record
Also Served
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Chief Deputy Sheriff
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 9-W · Line 1 cut as FRANK DEWAR
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtmt5jfaaxt9zm979xewd
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Chief Deputy Sheriff DeWar served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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