Officer Albert Matthies Remembered

The only Arcadia Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty is Albert E. Matthies. Officer Matthies was shot while detaining three young men near the intersection of Northview and Foothill in north Arcadia on July 18, 1927, shortly before midnight. Officer Matthies came upon the men inside a vehicle parked on Northview. The men were preparing to conduct a robbery at a business nearby. The rear seat passenger was Frank Miller. Miller pulled out a .45 cal handgun and shot at Matthies, striking him in the neck. Matthies died from the gunshot wound. Matthies died at 12:07 AM on July 19, 1927.

Leo Bertolina, a friend of Matthies, was riding along that night in the police car. Bertolina was able to scramble away after being shot at and hit with flying glass from windows being struck by gunfire. Bertolina telephoned for additional police assistance. The trio of suspects got away that night but were later apprehended in Los Angeles within days. The three suspects were later convicted of the murder of Officer Matthies and sentenced to prison. The shooter died in prison. The two accomplices were later paroled and died shortly after release.

The APOA has a nice article on our website, dedicated to the memory of Officer Matthies, written by Lieutenant Paul Foley. Matthies is remembered with a small memorial at the Police Department. Northview has been co-named Albert Matthies Way and there is a plaque placed near the intersection where Matthies was killed. Officer Matthies is also memorialized on the California Peace Officers' Memorial in Sacramento, across from the State Capital.

IndyMac Crisis Affects Arcadia

The IndyMac crisis rolled through Arcadia with crowds of patrons making their way to the local branch at Santa Anita and Foothill. Since Friday, crowds have increased at the normally quiet branch. IndyMac Federal requested APD presence to assist with crowd control and keeping the peace. Officers have been working with bank officials and the public since Monday. KABC 7 aired a story covering events in Pasadena and Arcadia Monday afternoon. Patrons at the Arcadia branch have been calm and cooperative throughout the long waits.

Tuesday Tip - "We Tip"

We Tip is a nonprofit organization that accepts all forms of crime related tips from throughout the US. The tips are always anonymous and are then forwarded to the appropriate Law Enforcement agency for possible follow-up. APD receives tips throughout the year from We Tip. Take a look at their website for additional information. Anonymous tips can be submitted HERE.

Agent Louie Pompei Memorial Golf Tournament

APOA remembers Louis Pompei of the Glendora Police Department in sponsorship of the golf tournament named in his honor. Louis was a friend and co-worker to members of the APOA. Glendora, Monrovia and Arcadia Police Department members all participated in the annual Baker to Vegas Relay in which Louis was a team member. Louis was killed while attempting to stop a robbery at a market in 1995 in the City of San Dimas. Agent Pompei wounded two suspects that night who were ultimately caught and sentenced for their crime. Louis paid the ultimate sacrifice that night and is truly missed. We are proud to call Louis our friend!

The annual golf tournament was held at Via Verde County Club, San Dimas. Officers Dan Crowther, Steve Crawford, Stan Flores, Jon Hudson, Jason Davis, Sergeants Roy Nakamura, Tom Le Veque and Reserve Officer Mike Daleo all took part in the event today.

APD Programs - Foothill Special Enforcement Team

APD participates in a regional SWAT unit with several other municipal police agencies, known as the Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET). Participating agencies include; Arcadia, Glendora, Monrovia and La Verne. Each Police Department dedicates a number of officers, supervisors and equipment to the program. The group is guided by an MOU or contract agreed to by each City. A local cable channel recorded scenes from a training exercise which aired in Glendora. Some of the footage and interviews can be seen on YouTube. The team trains twice monthly and each member has attended various SWAT schools offered by such units as LA County Sheriff SEB, LAPD SWAT, and FBI SWAT. FSET is a well trained unit that is capable of responding to virtually any emergency situation. The La Verne Police Department also has a section dedicated to FSET on their website HERE.

Man Rescued from Near Drowning

A 74 year old Arcadia resident has an alert neighbor and his wife to thank for saving him from a near drowning yesterday. The event occurred shortly before 2 PM at a residential complex pool in the 1100 blk. Fairview. The victim was found under water by the neighbor. The neighbor and wife pulled the victim out of the water where the wife performed emergency breathing on the victim. Paramedics and Officers were summoned and the victim began breathing before they arrived. The victim was treated and transported to a local hospital. The quick acting neighbor and wife no doubt saved the victim from drowning.

This serves as a reminder to us all that EVERYONE should practice good safety habits near pools. Never swim alone or without someone acting as the eyes to monitor the pool. View our blog on Pool Safety HERE.

Tuesday Tip - Speed Trap or Speed Enforcement?

Do you feel the need, the need for speed? Toyota Speedway at Irwindale can always provide a good outlet. But definitely not on our City streets or local freeways.

When folks ask questions of an Officer, speed is often a topic of conversation and debate. The best answer is to obey the speed limits and you will never have a problem. Too often, drivers feel that because the "flow" of traffic is faster, or "everyone" is speeding, then it is perhaps OK to drive fast. The DMV does a nice job of summarizing and explaining speed limits in California.

A phrase that is often tossed around and usually not understood is "speed trap". Many drivers feel that when a speed limit appears to be posted too low or an Officer is perceived to be "hiding", then this equates to a speed trap. Not so. California and Federal law dictate how roadway speed limits are posted. If radar or laser is used for speed enforcement, roadways require speed surveys. Contrary to what a particular website will profess, the usual belief that you have fallen victim to a speed trap is false. APD has several entries on the site and it demonstrates that we are making an impact.

Speed limits are a hot topic right now as California is being forced to fall more in line with Federal guidelines. The PSN has run stories on area cities fighting this battle of late, to include Pasadena and South Pasadena. We will see how this plays out for Arcadia in the future.