08/31/2026
In Memory of Officer Kenneth “Ken” Wrede #203
The West Covina Police Department will never forget Officer Kenneth “Ken” Wrede #203 and the ultimate sacrifice he made in service to our community.
Forty-three years ago today, on August 31, 1983, Officer Wrede was working patrol when he responded to a report of a man acting bizarrely in the street and possibly under the influence of drugs.
At approximately 12:19 p.m., Officer Wrede located the suspect near Francisquito Avenue and Glenview Road. During his contact with the suspect, Officer Wrede radioed that the man appeared to be under the influence of P*P and requested an additional officer to assist.
The suspect refused Officer Wrede’s commands, and a struggle followed. During the struggle, the suspect was able to remove the shotgun and shotgun rack from Officer Wrede’s patrol unit. He then fired the shotgun over the roof of the patrol vehicle, fatally wounding Officer Wrede.
Responding officers quickly located and arrested the suspect near the scene. It was later confirmed that he was under the influence of P*P. The suspect was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death.
Officer Wrede served the West Covina Police Department and the City of West Covina with distinction. His courage, dedication, and sacrifice will forever remain a part of our department’s history.
In 2015, the West Covina Police Officers Association coordinated the installation of fallen officer memorial street signs at the location of the incident and in our underground parking lot, ensuring that Ken’s name and sacrifice would continue to be remembered.
In 2007, a portion of Interstate 10, from Grand Avenue to Vincent Avenue, was named the “West Covina Police Officer Kenneth Scott Wrede Memorial Highway” in recognition of his service and sacrifice to the City of West Covina.
Today, department personnel gathered at the location where Officer Wrede made the ultimate sacrifice to honor his memory and reflect on his service to our community.
In remembrance of Officer Wrede, department personnel will wear black bands over their badges from August 31, 2026, at 0600 hours, through September 1, 2026, at 0600 hours.
Forty-three years later, Officer Wrede is not forgotten.
