SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Hawthorne Police Department Motorcycle Officer Andrew S. Garton:
“Anne and I extend our condolences to the friends, family and colleagues mourning the loss of Officer Andrew S. Garton. California’s communities are made safer, each day, by the bravery and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers. We are deeply saddened to learn of Officer Garton’s tragic death while honoring another fallen colleague.”
Garton, 44, died in the line of duty today after a collision while performing a funeral escort for a Manhattan Beach police officer who had died of cancer. During traffic control responsibilities, a collision occurred between an El Segundo Police Department motorcycle officer and Officer Garton.
Officer Garton was assigned to the Hawthorne Police Department’s Traffic Bureau. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Garton, and sons Garrett and Grant, of Rossmoor, CA.
In honor of Officer Garton, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.