Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, August 30, 1937
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 13 years, 10 months
Badge Number: 808
Cause of Death: Struck by train
Date of Incident: August 30, 1937
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Policeman Earl Bickel was killed when the patrol car he was a passenger in was struck by a freight train at the Osborn Street railroad crossing of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
He and his partner were on patrol and driving along San Fernando Road during a period of heavy fog. The fog obscured their vision as they turned onto Osborn Street. They were unable to see the train until the last moment. Policeman Bickel's partner suffered several internal injuries as a result of the collision.
Policeman Bickel had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for almost 14 years. He was survived by his wife and two young children.