Ontario Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, February 21, 1958
Add to My HeroesRussell G. Grower
Detective Russell Grower was shot and killed as he and two other detectives from separate agencies went to Soquel Canyon to investigate a gang of tire thieves.
When a suspect answered the door of his cabin he attempted to shut it on Detective Grower when he identified himself as a police officer. The suspect then shot Detective Grower in the head.
The suspect, an escapee from a mental hospital, was apprehended the next day. He was returned to a maximum security prison for the criminally insane.
Detective Grower was a WWII veteran. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsMy daughter, Jamie and l were invited by the Cheif of Police to come to a Memorial Service in Ontario honoring fallen officers more than 20-years.
My daughter, Jamie and l attended the Memorial Service.
It was very moving.
The department also gave us a replica of the actual bronze statue that stands in the Department. Ours was 3ft tall.
We also were assigned an officer who escorted us to the burial site and gave us a tour of the Department.
When my daddy was murdered it changed our lives in so many ways. He wasn't just a hero, he was my daddy and I loved and admired him as my daddy.
My Mother, Mary was left to raise 3-kids by herself. She became our hero because she made sure we coped with his death iun a healthy way. She sacrificed herself to raise 3-healthy children. She is my hero.
Sondra Reiner, Eldest Daughter of Russell Grower
November 21, 2019
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