Gardena Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, November 15, 2018
Add to My HeroesToshio Hirai
Police Officer Toshio Hirai succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash the previous day.
His police motorcycle was struck by a car at the intersection of Western Avenue and 238th Street, in Harbor City, while he was en route to the police station.
Officer Hirai had served with the Gardena Police Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 12 years
- Badge 381
Incident Details
- Cause Motorcycle crash
- Incident Date Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Most Recent Reflection
View all 181 ReflectionsI spent two weeks with Toshio in Sacramento County during swat school back in 2008. I just learned of his passing today watching the PORAC memorial video. Toshio was one of 6 in a group of us that quickly gravitated towards each other through humor. Toshio would’ve been the youngest in our group but he was probably the most focused. But one night , after studying late into the night , I remember him singing/rapping/spelling a song on my voicemail (I-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t) . I saved the voicemail for years and could never delete it because it reminded me of two of the most vital weeks of my career , highlighted by the amazing group of people in that class. our class photo is one of the few photographs I have related to work and I will always remember him and his laugh. I instantly heard it when his memorial picture flashed. Life is fragile and my deepest condolences go to his wife, child, and the entire GPD family. If I had to guess he was one of the people you’d consider the heart and soul of your department .
Sergeant Richard Graham
Classmate
May 5, 2020
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