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Incident
Detective Michael Lane was shot and killed during an undercover operation at a cocktail lounge at 12808 Whittier Boulevard. He had accompanied the victim of a motorcycle theft to the lounge as part of the investigation. As they sat in a pickup trick in the parking lot two members of rival motorcycle gangs approached the truck and opened fire on it, striking Detective Lane several times. Despite his wounds, he returned fire, killing one of the subjects and wounding the other. The wounded subject was taken into custody by Detective Lane's backup officers and charged with murder. Detective Lane had served with the Whittier Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Lane gave the Whittier Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Whittier community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Lane.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Whittier Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 31. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Michael had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.2% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 15.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Whittier Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Whittier Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Whittier Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
