Officer Richard Henry Pennington Killed in the Line of Duty January 24, 1946
On January 24, 1946, shortly after ending his shift, Vernon Police Officer Richard H. Pennington, age 30, was riding his police motorcycle through town on his way home to Bell, CA, where his young wife was waiting for him with their three year old son.
At Vernon Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue, Officer Pennington saw Officer Harry A. Kelly directing traffic and stopped to offer his assistance. As they spoke, a car sped past, ignoring the warnings of Officer Kelly to stop.
Officer Pennington quickly gave chase and was able to catch the vehicle a short distance away. Two men were inside the car. After a brief investigation, Officer Pennington arrested the two men and ordered them to follow him to the station in their car.
Officer Pennington led the two suspects to the rear of the police station where he parked his motorcycle. As Officer Pennington stepped off his motorcycle, one of the men pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and shot Officer Pennington five times, fatally wounding him in the head and chest. One of those bullets struck Officer Pennington's badge before entering his chest. Both suspects were able to escape following the shooting.
On February 4, 1946, these same suspects committed a robbery in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police Officers Kesterson and Patrick responded to the robbery and confronted the suspects. A shootout ensued when one of the suspects reached for his gun. Both suspects and Officer Kesterson were killed in the gun battle.
The Vernon Police Department continues to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by Officer Richard H. Pennington. His name is listed among those honored at the National Peace Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. and the California Peace Officer's Memorial in Sacramento, CA.
