Calif. Police Department Reeling after Chief's Unexpected Death
Source Pasadena Star-News, Calif.
Condolences continued to roll in on Tuesday, Oct. 25, for the El Monte Police Department, which continued to reel from the death of Police Chief Ben Lowry, 45, on Monday after what officials said were "health issues."
Lowry's death hit hard at a department — and a city — still processing the deaths in June of two of its officers, both slain during a shootout as they responded to a call at a local motel.
On Tuesday, messages continued to roll in from departments across the region.
"Rest in Peace, Sir," read the end of a message from the Garden Grove Police Department.
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The city's mayor also echoed the impact of the loss.
"Yesterday, the El Monte Police Department and our community suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of our Chief of Police, Ben Lowry," said Mayor Jessica Ancona. "Our hearts are heavy at City Hall as we have endured so much heartache with the passing of our brave officers this summer and now Chief Lowry. My condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family and all of the men and women of the El Monte Police Department who had the honor of knowing and working with him."
The words followed a string of messages from residents, outside departments and retired police who took to the El Monte department's Facebook page to post.
It was unclear — at least publicly — how exactly Lowry passed away, though he'd been dealing with health issues and had been away from work for several weeks.
It was an abrupt turn given how public he'd become in the days, just last June, when two of his officers were fatally shot. Lowry was officially stepping into the role of chief in June and was thrust into the limelight to lead and console at the time.
El Monte officials say he helped stabilize the department at a difficult time.
On Monday, a large crowd of mourners escorted Lowry's flag-draped body from Glendora Presbyterian Hospital to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Covina.
Funeral services are pending.
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