Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Wrede,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of West Covina. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 31, 2023

Today my husband and I were walking in west covina and came across a sign dedicated to you. We have also walked by the street in west covina named after you. We appreciate you and your service to this community. May you rest in peace.

Laura K.
Citizen

December 30, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 31, 2020

A brave person serving his community, killed at such a young age. He should never be forgotten. Officer Wrede, I hope your family and loved ones know that no matter how much time passes you have the respect and admiration of so many.

Just a citizen Ron Beau
Citizen

May 3, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 35th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 31, 2018

According to find a grave officer is buried Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Covina California
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94408063/kenneth-scott-wrede

T,Fazzini
researcher

February 8, 2018

I miss Ken...I remember him coming down to the basement, where Dispatch was located at that time and cracking jokes with us. I used to tell him he could have been a comedian. He was so funny!
I shutter to think he is gone for now, but his killer still lives. I hope to laugh again with him in the hereafter...RIP

CSO II Jenkins
Riverside County Sheriff

September 16, 2017

Remembered

Captain retired Tim Foppiano
SBCoFD

August 31, 2017

We buried another hero just a month ago, Officer Keith Boyer, Whittier PD. I am now a Police Chaplain for Whittier. As we prepared for Keith's funeral, I was taken back in time to the day Kenny died. We were on the same team. He died just blocks from the house where I lived. I think about Kenny just about everyday. I relive the agony of the days following his death, the funeral, the seemingly never-ending trial. In the last month I have re-lived all this over & over.

Eternal rest, grant unto Kenny, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, Amen. May he rest in peace, Amen. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen.

Deacon Bruce E. Sago
West Covina PD (Retired Patrol Team Mate)

March 21, 2017

O5fficer Kenneth Wrede like many others paid the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of the citizens and community. I just want to thank you for your service. After 16 years now on the job and now proudly serving as a patrol Deputy Sheriff at the Lost Hills Malibu Station with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, I have seen alot. I'm thankful and proud to serve. You are a true hero and you are a very admirable person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family!!

Louis B. Lave, Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept

May 20, 2016

Ken, I have been an officer with West Covina PD for the last 16 years and I am reminded of your untimely death every day I pass the department memorial. 12 years ago, at the 20th anniversary of your death, I had the pleasure to meet your parents who still mourn you. As a member of the WCPD Honor Guard I would talk with the Wrede family members after our yearly ceremony honoring your service and loss and enjoyed the time hearing stories of your life. I am sorry I never had the pleasure to meet you but you are truly missed. God Bless.

Sean Carmon, Senior Police Officer
West Covina Police Department

August 31, 2015

Ken:

I met your father and mother last year.

We miss you, you are our hero.

none
friend

June 5, 2015

Ken, We were partners in the academy back in 1980. You made the stress seem less somehow. I was at Brea PD and you at W. Covina. I have a picture of you and I being inspected at graduation. Little did I know 3 years later we would lose you. I dedicated my life to officer safety, becoming an instructor in use of force, firearms, arrest and control, impact weapons, physical fitness, etc. I taught in two academies and several departments. I think of you often. I retired from Riverside DA's Office, and was one of their OIS call-out supervisors. You have impacted lives. I was recently at your old station and saw your memorial, and I remembered placing my hand on your draped flag. I know you are with our Lord now. Just want you to know you are in our thoughts and your family is in our prayers. Love ya!

Jon Strash, Commander (ret)
Brea PD and Riverside DA's Office

May 22, 2015

Dear Kenny:
Today I read an article about you posted by the LAPPL(Los Angeles Police Protective League) on how your life was taken away. It was on a blog due to the recent shooting of a skid row man that was killed by Officers in defense of their lives.
I met you in the early 1980's at the West Covina car wash where I worked. You would bring your police car to be washed. I always remember your friendliness. you along with Lt Dan Leonard would talk to me about the job. I became interested. You inspired me to become a police officer.
In 1987, I became a police officer with the Los angeles police Dept with the intentions of later joining WCPD but I never left. I'm still there, 27 yrs later.
Kenny... I never got a chance to thank you. I thank you my brother, I miss you and I will never forget you.
God bless you and your family always.

Denny Leopolodo

Officer Denny Leopoldo
LAPD

March 5, 2015

Officer Wrede: I was just beginning my career when your incident occurred. I remember walking past items from a Patrol Vehicle laid out as evidence the morning after the shooting. The media reported your alma mater. I rushed to my yearbook and discovered you were one year ahead of me.

You will never be forgotten.

Senior Criminalist
LASD/SSB

February 9, 2015

May God Bless you Officer Ken Wrede. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Sean Anglin
San Bernardino County Sheriff

January 22, 2014

Dear Wrede Family,

I remember back in High School when Kenny was in the band with us. We all had a good time attending competitions and performances but most of all the fun we had just hanging out and messing around. Kenny always had a smile, good nature and silly fun side to him.

Just like Kenny, my older brother and I went into Law Enforcement a few years after graduatiing from high school. I remember going home after my patrol shift ended on that Aug. day turning on the local news and seeing Kenny's picture shown on the TV. When the newscaster reported the devestating details about Kenny I felt an empty and numb feeling inside of my stomach.

My brother, (retired last month) who also went to high school with Kenny, was attending the CHP Academy in Sacramento when I delivered the sad news to him about our good friend.

During my 34 year career in LE I have dedicated and committed myself to training academy recruits (as a Tac Officer) as well as new and seasoned officers by not only teaching them "the will to survive" but reminding them that we are not invincible.

Kenny has remained in my heart throughout my entire career (which will come to an end next month in retirement) and I know that he has watched over my brother and I while we served the past three decades protecting the citizens of our communities and patrolling the highways of our state.

Kenny, thank you my friend for being our "gardian angel" by keeping my brother and I safe until our EOWs and also for being a part of our lives.

Sergeant Brian Yamaguchi
Placentia PD / High School Classmate

December 11, 2013

Ken,
It was 33 years ago we went through the academy together along with Dave Gora, Bill Redmond, Mike Delgadillo and a bunch of others. Mike and you took off to West Covina. The next thing I found out same as Dave via being called into the W/C office. I was shock and dumb founded that you were murdered by some crazy. We all went to your funeral and service. Like Dave I was touched deeply at the citizens of West Covina lining the streets as we drove through town. Quoted from Dave Gora,
"During the entourage at Ken's service I saw a citizen holding a hand made sign that simply said "We care". Those two words had so much meaning that day, that I carry the moment in my thoughts like it happened just moments ago." it was a great tribute my friend. RIP

Detective
Costa Mesa PD

September 3, 2013

Rest in Peace my brother Kenny. 30 years we have been apart. I keep Mom and Dad close to me as does the other members of the West Covina Police Department.
We are both Chicagoans but loved the City of West Covina and the citizens we served together.
I truly loved you my brother and am proud of that friendship.
Lt. Dan Leonard, Retired 12-29-97.

Lt. Dan Leonard (Retired)
West Covina Police Dept. 1964-1997

August 21, 2013

Ken was a friend and co-worker at Knott's before he was hired by West Covina. He was a kind, funny, happy young man who will always be remembered, though it has been nearly thirty years since his murder. You are still not forgotten Ken.

Deb (McPhail) Korobkin
Co-worker and friend from late 70s

February 12, 2013

You are not forgotten.

Robert C. J. Parry
Grew up in West Covina in the 80s

June 22, 2012

It would have been your 55th birthday today. We would be sharing the day, going out to dinner. I miss you every day.
I love you. Happy Birthday to you in Heaven. Love, Karen.

Karen-sister
sister

February 12, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Wrede. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 23, 2012

Well, another holiday approaching, another holiday without you. There is so much that you have missed, that you should have been here for. I will never understand nor accept the reason why you were taken from us. One day I will see you again. So, my dear brother I will cherish the memories that I do have. Miss you everyday.......Love your little sis.....

kerry wrede swartz
sister

November 30, 2011

God bless him, so sad that when trying to help out other human beings our offices are shot or killed. Makes you sad to think that the more we are progressing with technology each day, we are also advancing in killing each other with newer ways....

All I can say is god bless this man, who was doing his job to help and protect the community....

You will always be a hero to all of us American.

NO RANK

November 25, 2011