Rialto Police Department, California
End of Watch Monday, March 3, 1986
Add to My HeroesGary W. Wolfley
Sergeant Gary Wolfley was shot and killed after responding to an unknown disturbance at a local gas station.
When he arrived on the scene he observed two men standing next to a gas pump. One of the men immediately began to run and was pursued by Sergeant Wolfley. A struggle ensued behind the service station and the suspect was able to gain control of Sergeant Wolfley's weapon and shoot him.
Sergeant Wolfley's wife, who was with him on a ride along, called for backup. As backup officers were being dispatched, the man took Sergeant Wolfley's gun and ran northbound behind the gas station.
He shot at the first responding backup officer through the cruiser's windshield, but missed the officer. The man then ran and jump through an apartment window and shot the resident in the leg. The resident of the apartment was able to get out as the subject barricaded himself in the apartment. Responding officers from the Rialto, Fontana, and San Bernardino police departments were able to contain the man in the apartment complex. The man later surrendered to police after a night long stand off.
He was convicted of Sergeant Wolfley's murder and subsequently sentenced to death.
Sergeant Wolfley was survived by his wife, who became an officer with the Fontana Police Department one year later.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 54 ReflectionsSgt. Gary Wolfley , it has been about 39 years since you were taken from us when I was a young police explorer in the early 80’s. It has been about 14 years since I last wrote a reflection. I am now retired from Law Enforcement ( not by choice ) I remember your words “ never give up when your in a fight “ well sir that day came April 27, 2016. I sustained major injury’s which led to my retirement in January 04, 2019. I still stayed as a first responder and I am now an EMT-A and a Respiratory Therapist student. I miss your smiles and laughters and when I went on a ride along with you and we went to the apartments nicknamed the “ woods “ on Glenwoods ave. Rest In Peace and until we meet again.
Retired P#42632
State Of Nevada
April 3, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

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

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