AMERICAN HEROES BENEFIT GROUP, INC.

Sergeant Robert "RJ" Anderson

L.A. County Sheriff's Department

E.O.W. 10/03/11

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you  on Monday, October 3, 2011, Sergeant Robert "RJ" Anderson passed away peacefully in his sleep after an eight month battle gainst ALS.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Anderson family and his many friends and co-workers. 

"God bless you, Padna.  We will miss you.  The lives you have touched will be forever grateful and your honorable legacy remains intact.  Rest in peace brother, we have the watch from here.  Your family will be protected."

Klaus G. 

Sergeant Anderson honorably served with the Los Angeles  County Sheriff's Department for over two decades. His assignments included Lomita Station, Cerritos Station, Transit Services Bureau, Inmate Reception Center and Carson Station.  Early in 2011, Sergeant Anderson was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease".  ALS is a terminal illness that affects the motor-neurons which give muscles the ability to function.  Sergeant Anderson's wish was to increase awareness of this deadly disease to assist in finding a cure. 

Deputy John Edwin Pries III

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

EOW ~ Feruary 28, 2011

Deputy Thomas Gallagher

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

EOW ~ February 25, 2011

 Thomas Gallagher was a 14 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.  His assignments included Men's Central Jail and Industry Station.  He aslo assisted Major Crimes Bureau.  Thomas was an avid runner who ran 30-40 miles per week and was the team Captain for Industry Station’s Baker to Vegas relay team. Thomas was well known through the department as an outstanding investigator and for caring about the people he served and arrested.  Thomas was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1963. At the age of 33, he migrated to LA County where he married his wife, and soon after joined the LA County Sherriff’s Dept. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters, ages 6 and 9. Thomas was assigned to Industry Station for the last 6 years, where he served the communities of Industry, La Puente, Valinda, Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heightsand Bassett.

Sergeant Destry Bell

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Officer Kevin A. Sandoval

South Pasadena Police Department

EOW ~ June 14, 2011

Kevin Sandoval started his service with the City of South Pasadena as a Cadet in May, 2007.  Kevin put himself through Rio Hondo Academy and graduated with distinction.  Upon graduation, he was hired as a temporary Records Clerk for five months, then was sworn as a Reserve Police Officer on November 13, 2008.  Officer Sandoval was hired as a full time Police Officer on February 16, 2009.  Kevin exemplified all the qualities that make for an excellent officer.  He was commited to the community he served and was dedicated to his Department. Officer Kevin Sandoval is missed by all.

Officer Andrew Scott Garton

Hawthorne Police Department

EOW ~ May 26, 2011

Andrew Garton, a seven year veteran of the Hawthorne Police Department died on May 26, 2011 from injuries sustained when his motorcycle crashed during the funeral procession of another fallen officer.  He was the first Hawthorne Police Officer to ever die in the line of duty.

Andrew was born in San Fernando, California, and was a graduate of Antelope Valley High School.  Inspired by Sergeant Shawn Shimono, a close friend for over twenty years, Andrew applied and was hired by the Hawthorne Police Department in 2003, and graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in early 2004.  Andrew’s many accomplishments include his leadership as Vice President of the Hawthorne Police Officers Association, Treasurer of the Hawthorne Political Action Committee, a long time member of the Hawthorne SWAT  Team, an accomplished Motor Traffic Investigator, and a member of the Department’s Honor Guard. 

Andrew was a devoted husband and father.  Together with his wife, they were a faith filled loving couple, raising two young sons.  Andrew loved his children and spending quality time with his family.  He was active in both scouting and coaching youth baseball.  Camping and motocross riding were great passions for Andrew.  It was the time of his life being able to share those moments with his children.  To those who knew Andrew, he was both a friend and mentor. There was no end to what he would do for you.