Dual memorials are planned for the anniversary of the death of Glendora Police Detective Louie Pompei.
Representatives from Glendora Police travelled to Pompei’s hometown of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, where a graveside memorial will take place. A memorial will also take place at Via Verde Park in San Dimas at 5:30 p.m.
Members of the Glendora Police department will present Pompei’s family at each memorial with the department’s Medal of Valor plaque, given posthumously to Pompei, police said in a written statement.
Two decades have passed since that Friday night when Pompei intervened in an armed robbery of a Vons market in San Dimas the night of June 9, 1995.
Pompei, who was off duty, was in the process of cashing his paycheck at the Vons Market, 1160 Via Verde Ave. Two male juveniles, ages 16 and 17, entered the store. One suspect began pistol-whipping a mentally disabled employee, the other suspect announced a holdup, police said.
Pompei drew his weapon and announced himself as a police officer. A fire fight ensued. Pompei was struck at least four times by bullets, once in the chest. Both suspects were wounded and fled in a waiting vehicle.
Pompei was able to walk outside to a pay phone and dialed 911. He was rushed to San Dimas Community Hospital where he later died. The suspects were later arrested at Queen of the Valley Hospital.
Both suspects are serving life in prison.
Pompei began as a police officer trainee with Glendora in 1987. He worked with the department’s detective bureau as a narcotic’s investigator from 1992 to 1995 and began work on L.A. IMPACT, a major crimes, multi-jurisdictional task force.
