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Incident
Reserve Officer Don Bacon was killed when his patrol car was rear-ended by a drunk driver at the intersection of Compton Boulevard (modern day Gardena Boulevard) and Western Avenue. Officer Bacon was riding in the rear seat of the patrol car at the time it was struck. The two cars fused together and slid 180 feet from the intersection. The driver's speed was estimated to be over 70 mph. The 24-year-old drunk driver, who had no license as a result of two prior drunk driving convictions, was convicted of drunk driving and felony manslaughter and sentenced to one to 10 years. Reserve Officer Bacon had just graduated from the police academy and was awaiting a position as a full time officer.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Reserve Officer Bacon served with the Gardena Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gardena community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Officer Bacon.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gardena Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1956, 5 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1956, 47 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 141st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1956, 53 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 21. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Donald was 21. 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.
Donald was 21. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 15.8%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Gardena Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 9.1% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Gardena Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Gardena Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
