Police Officer Gary Dean Moss, Hermosa Beach Police Department, California

Police Officer Gary Dean Moss

Hermosa Beach Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, June 24, 1982

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Gary Dean Moss

Officer Gary Moss succumbed to injuries sustained when he and his partner were critically injured by a drunk driver that pulled out in front of them on Aviation Drive and Harper Drive in Hermosa Beach.

Officer Moss and his partner were pursuing two speeding motorcycles on Aviation Drive when a car turned left in front of them. Officer Moss collided with the front right fender, and his partner hit the right passenger door. Both were thrown over the car and onto the street 90 feet away.

His 28-year-old partner broke his arms, legs, clavicle, and pelvis. He spent several months in the hospital and returned numerous times for operations. He could never run again and had pain and problems walking for the rest of his life. He was forced to retire from the police department but returned to full duty three years later and retired in 2008.

Officer Moss was transported to South Bay Hospital, succumbing to head injuries four days later. He donated his organs as his last act of service.

The suspect was found guilty of drunk driving but acquitted of felony manslaughter. The jury said the officers were at fault because they were speeding. He never spent a day in jail and was placed on probation for driving drunk.

Officer Moss had served with the Hermosa Beach Police Department for 15 months. He is survived by his parents and two brothers.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 year, 3 months
Badge 095

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Incident Date Sunday, June 20, 1982
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Acquitted

Impaired Driver, motorcycle

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA