SDPHA HALL OF FAME

POSTHUMOUS INDUCTION 2018

SDPD MEDAL FOR VALOR SDPD POLICE CROSS

On August 27, 1913, Motorcycle Officer Campbell was dispatched to a call of a man with a gun.  Locating the man at the corner of 5th and G Street, Officer Campbell was shot in the face and neck as he attempted to make contact.

Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Campbell shoved the suspect to the ground to prevent his escape. Recognizing the suspect was attempting to shoot innocent bystanders, Officer Campbell placed the web of his hand between the suspects gun and the firing pin rendering the weapon unable to fire.

Citizens were eventually able to intercede in the fight and rush Officer Campbell to the police emergency hospital. It was too late. Officer Campbell died in surgery due to his extreme blood loss.

Had Officer Campbell retreated to tend to his injuries when he was shot, there is a chance he would have lived. Instead, Officer Campbell chose to continue to engage the suspect and prevent his ability to escape and harm others.

For his extreme valor, and giving his life to save others, Officer Campbell is inducted as the first member of the San Diego Police Historical Association's Hall of Fame. Additionally, the SDPHA's highest award for bravery  shall be forever known as the Emery E. Campbell Medal for Valor.

* In November 2017, the San Diego Police Department awarded Officer Campbell the SDPD Medal for Valor and the Police Cross.

THE THIN BLUE LINE

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER EMERY E. CAMPBELL