PPOA President
Lieutenant, LASD
sjohnson@ppoa.com
On the morning of Friday, July 18, our hearts were forever shattered by the tragic loss of three of our own — Detective William Osborn, Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund and Detective Victor Lemus — veteran members of our Arson Explosives Detail. These brave men lost their lives in an incident at the Biscailuz Training Facility during follow-up work from a previous response in Santa Monica.
There is no training, preparation or experience that can lessen the blow of a loss like this. Between them, these deputies dedicated 74 years of their lives to this Department. They were fathers, husbands, mentors and selfless public servants. They were, in every sense, the best of the best. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to their families and loved ones.
Detective William Osborn, who served for 33 years in our Department, is remembered as a highly experienced technician. He is survived by his wife, Detective Shannon Rincon, and their six children. Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, a deputy since 2006, leaves behind his wife and their seven children. He worked on complex investigations that resulted in large narcotics seizures and the arrest of murder suspects. Detective Kelley-Eklund was also an exemplary field training officer.
Detective Victor Lemus, who joined the Department in 2003, came from a proud law enforcement family. He is survived by his wife, Detective Nancy Lemus, and their three daughters. He demonstrated outstanding service as a patrol deputy, including numerous arrests of high-profile criminals. The loss of these men will be deeply felt throughout the Department and beyond.
All three individuals faced danger not for glory, but out of a sense of duty to protect the lives of others. They responded to hundreds of calls each year in one of the busiest and most hazardous units in our country, fully understanding the risks and answering the call with unmatched professionalism and courage.
To their families: We share your grief. Your pain is our pain. And we stand ready to support you — today, tomorrow and always. The memory of your loved ones will forever be honored in our hearts and our service.
This is the greatest single loss in the history of our Department since 1857. We mourn not only as law enforcement professionals, but as a family. While healing from the impact of this tragedy will take time, one thing is certain: these deputies died as they lived — with courage, dignity and devotion.
Let us carry forward their legacy by living each day with the same integrity and strength they demonstrated. May peace be granted to their souls, and comfort to those left behind.