Pinole's Fallen Heroes

Fallen Heroes

The following Pinole Police personnel gave their lives in the line of duty protecting the Pinole community. We will always remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Badge with black mourning band

Law Enforcement Officers honor a fallen member by wearing a black band across their breast badge.


Constable Arthur McDonald - EOW September 26, 1929

Constable Arthur McDonald

End-of-Watch: September 26, 1929
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Weapon used: Machine gun

Constable McDonald was shot and killed when he responded to a bank robbery call of the Bank of Pinole. The robbers had just stolen $35,000 and were making their escape when Constable McDonald arrived on the scene and attempted to stop them. The suspects opened fire on Constable McDonald with a sub-machine gun, striking him in the stomach. He was able to return fire and shot one of the suspects. Constable McDonald was survived by his wife and three daughters.

Article about Constable McDonald

Patrolman John Mueller Sellers - EOW July 24, 1972

Patrolman John Mueller Sellers

End-of-Watch: July 24, 1972
Age: 37 years old
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number:
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Weapon Used: Firearm, unknown type
Suspect information: Convicted by later released when it was determined he had a brain tumor at the time he acted

John Sellers was killed at 0118 hours in the Antlers Tavern. He was responding to a man-with-a-gun call. He was shot in the chest by Orland Davis. Patrolman Sellers was survived by his wife, Mary, and two small children - a boy and a girl.

Commendation Letter
Article about Patrolman Sellers

Police Officer Floyd "Bernie" Harold Swartz - EOW May 3, 1980

Police Officer Floyd "Bernie" Harold Swartz

End-of-Watch: May 3, 1980
Age: 33 years old
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 2
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Weapon Used: Sawed-off Mauser rifle
Suspect information: Sentenced to death

Officer Swartz was shot in the throat and killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect. The arrest attempt was taking place at a home near the scene of a stabbing murder the previous week. The suspect, James Richard Odle, was apprehended and sentenced to death. Officer Swartz was survived by his wife and three children.


Article about Officer Swartz