Prev
Incident
Sergeant Gary Wolfley was shot and killed after responding to an unknown disturbance at a local gas station. When he arrived on the scene he observed two men standing next to a gas pump. One of the men immediately began to run and was pursued by Sergeant Wolfley. A struggle ensued behind the service station and the suspect was able to gain control of Sergeant Wolfley's weapon and shoot him. Sergeant Wolfley's wife, who was with him on a ride along, called for backup. As backup officers were being dispatched, the man took Sergeant Wolfley's gun and ran northbound behind the gas station. He shot at the first responding backup officer through the cruiser's windshield, but missed the officer. The man then ran and jump through an apartment window and shot the resident in the leg. The resident of the apartment was able to get out as the subject barricaded himself in the apartment. Responding officers from the Rialto, Fontana, and San Bernardino police departments were able to contain the man in the apartment complex. The man later surrendered to police after a night long stand off. He was convicted of Sergeant Wolfley's murder and subsequently sentenced to death.
Survivors
Sergeant Wolfley was survived by his wife, who became an officer with the Fontana Police Department one year later.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpv5e15fgs4svx3dv4h8- 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 Gary. 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.
Sergeant Wolfley served with the Rialto Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rialto community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Wolfley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rialto Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Gary is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Gary is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Gary 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 1986, 7 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1986, 98 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1986, 112 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Gary was 30. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Gary was 30. 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.
Gary was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Rialto Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 officer's handgun, in 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Rialto Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Gary among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Rialto Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
