In the line of duty

Yesterday, the city unveiled a memorial to fallen police officers in front of the Downey Police Department. The memorial's plaque describes the death of Officer Wayne Presley, the only Downey officer killed in the line of duty.

According to the plaque:
"On the evening of April 10, 1981, Officer Wayne Presley and his partner were assisting a stalled motorist at a major Downey intersection when they were struck by a drunk driver, critically injuring one officer and instantly killing Officer Presley. He was 37 years old and left behind a wife and three children."

(On a side note, Downey Beat reports that there were 11 cars stolen in Downey on Thursday. Several of the cars were taken while Whittier Police were patrolling the city, filling in for Downey’s officers during the memorial's dedication ceremony.)