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Incident
Officer Cromwell was killed when his police motorcycle struck another vehicle as he was attempting to catch a speeder. He had activated his lights and sirens when the third vehicle pulled in front of him from a shopping center parking lot, causing him to broadside it and killing him instantly. Officer Cromwell had served with the Lodi Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Officer Cromwell gave the Lodi Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lodi community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Cromwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Rick is the only officer of Lodi Police Department remembered here.
Rick is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Rick is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Rick is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1998, 6 officers in CA were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 1998, 84 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1998, 93 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Rick was 35. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. Rick had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Rick was 35. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Rick had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Rick was 35. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Rick had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 7.9% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Lodi Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Lodi Police Department are honored on badge.nw.