Torrance Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, December 22, 1968
Add to My HeroesGary Elton Rippstein
Officer Rippstein was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to arrest an auto-theft suspect. The officers were invited inside the home by the man's wife and were immediately fired upon by the suspect. Officer Rippstein was struck by one of the rounds and killed. His partner and other backup officers returned fire and killed the suspect.
Officer Rippstein had served with the Torrance Police Department for 6 years and was the agency's first police chaplain. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Saturday, December 21, 1968
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 27 ReflectionsI did not know Gary, but I found his story while researching my family tree. I think he was my 5th cousin. I just wanted to say that he is not forgotten by distant relatives over here in the UK. RIP Cousin
Stuart Reader
January 17, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025