Sergeant Rolland Carl Morton, Santa Monica Police Department, California

Sergeant Rolland Carl Morton

Santa Monica Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, March 10, 1933

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Rolland Carl Morton

Sergeant Rolland Morton and Special Police Officer Frederick Porter were killed in an aircraft accident while en route to Long Beach to offer assistance to victims of a recent earthquake.

The chief of police had also requested that they check on Santa Monica residents who were working at a Long Beach dredging company. The Buhl CA-5 Airsedan crashed near Baldwin Hills after encountering an area of dense smoke and fog.

Officer Ted Davis of the California Highway Patrol was also killed as a result of the earthquake when his motorcycle struck a bridge as he assisted with rescue efforts.

Sergeant Morton had served with the Santa Monica Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, parents, and brother.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident
Incident Date Not available

plane crash

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Most Recent Reflection

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I am all too familiar with the dangers of earthquakes, having grown up in Santa Monica, where I had my first flight lesson. Your choice of duty is admirable and imagine I that you and your colleagues brought much comfort to your community. This community thanks you for your service, and we remain indebted to you for paving the way for aviation and law enforcement in Santa Monica. Forever blue skies.

Zish
ERAU

July 24, 2023