On July 19, 1927, at approximately 12:07 a.m., Arcadia Police Officer Albert E. Matthies was shot and killed while detaining three grand theft auto suspects near the intersection of Northview Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, in the City of Arcadia. Officer Matthies remains the only Arcadia police officer killed in the line of duty in the department’s history.
On July 18, 2011, members from the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association will stand in honor of Officer Matthies’ memory at the intersection where he made his ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Arcadia. Commencing at 12:00 p.m., the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association will provide an honor guard to stand watch at the site where Officer Matthies was killed. The ceremony will take place on the west side of Northview Avenue, between Foothill Boulevard and Laurel Avenue, and will commence with a statement from the President of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association, Officer John Jurman. Bagpipes, played by retired Arcadia Police Sergeant Andrew Ballantyne, will be heard during the posting of the colors. The honor guard detail will stand watch for twelve consecutive hours, with a changing of the guard ceremony taking place every half hour. Interim Chief of Police Robert Guthrie will honor Officer Matthies’ memory by standing a post from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On July 19th, at approximately 12:07 a.m., a bell will sound in recognition of the 84th anniversary of Officer Matthies’ death. The event will then conclude with a closing prayer from Arcadia Police Department Chaplain Thomas Shriver of the Emmanuel Assembly of God church, Arcadia.
The Arcadia Police Officers’ Association is proud to coordinate this inaugural event in honor of our fallen brother, Officer Matthies. All participating members of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association are donating their own time to this service in dedication to keeping the memory and spirit of Officer Albert E. Matthies alive.
Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police
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