Deputy Sheriff Thomas H. Pohlman

In 1978 I was assigned to the Hollenbeck Division of the LAPD. On April 18, 1978, I was assigned to a one-man car and had stopped my vehicle, on Fowler, just south of Whiteside, just outside of our jurisdiction, to complete a report. At that time the LAPD and LASD had no direct communication. As I was completing my report, Communications Division broadcast a message from the LASD that one of their deputies was in a foot pursuit in the 3400 block of Whiteside. I immediately looked up at the street sign directly in front of me which read 3200 Whiteside. I immediately accelerated around the corner onto Whiteside and within a few seconds, I was at the scene. I saw the deputy's parked vehicle, but I had no idea of his location. I drove around the area for approximately a minute or so looking for Deputy Polman, obviously without any success. I then saw a number of LASD vehicles arriving at the location and decided to depart because I knew they had sufficient personnel to locate the deputy.
I have always regretted that I was unable to help Deputy Polman. Every time I travel on the W/B 10 freeway and pass this location, I always remember this hero and regret my inability to help him. I was so close and I had no idea what was happening right around the corner.

Sergeant Richard Laguna (Retired)
LAPD

April 18, 2020