Fallen Officer Remembered for Humor, Kindness

On duty, he was known as 5M3, a police radio handle identifying him as Hawthorne motorcycle officer No. 3.

Off duty, he was known as a devoted father and husband with a quick wit, generous spirit and love of the outdoors.

On Thursday afternoon, Andrew Garton "was doing what he was known for--putting the needs of others ahead of his own," his cousin Eric Motley said, recalling the 44-year-old Rossmoor resident's tragic death.

Garton had volunteered to help escort the funeral motorcade of another fallen officer that day. But as the procession snaked through the South Bay, . The second officer suffered a broken leg; Garton was thrown from his motorcycle and later died, his wife and two young sons flown to his hospital bedside by an L.A. County sheriff's helicopter that picked them up from Rossmoor.

In the wake of his death, hundreds of friends, colleagues and total strangers have responded with tributes, cash donations, home-cooked meals and memories. Lots of memories.

James M. Tate, who played on a church softball team with Garton in college, said the future cop's "conservative, straight-edged" appearance belied his true nature: "Behind those Oakley shades was a really funny, laid-back guy who could relate to anybody--the goofs and the popular dudes."

Similar comments turned up on a Facebook tribute page. "5M3 always had a smile, always had a wisecrack," said a post by Kat Burnett. "He treated everyone, from the janitor to the chief, with respect."

Others reminisced about Garton's generosity and kind spirit.

"He was like a dad," said former patrol partner Raul Espinoza, now a detective. "Whatever you needed, he would help. ... He was always giving [and] he always volunteered to do funerals. He did that on his own time." 

Garton's cousin, speaking on behalf of the family at a Saturday press conference, agreed: "If you were honored to know Andrew ... there was no end to what he would do for you."

Garton joined the police force later than most, in his mid-30s, after working as a tile installer, according to Hawthorne PD spokesman Gary Tomatani. He drew inspiration for the career switch from college roommate Shawn Shimono, now a police sergeant.

After working as a patrol officer and SWAT team member, he became a motorcycle officer about four years ago.

In his spare time, he enjoyed camping with family and friends, fishing, and motorcycle riding with his sons, 12-year-old Garrett and 7-year-old Grant. He also helped coach the boys' baseball teams.

"He was at all the games and often coached third," one St. Hedwig coach recalled. "He would even attend the games in his uniform if working that night."

Friends and family described Garton as a dedicated husband and father. "He talked about his family all the time," Espinoza said in a telephone interview. "It's all he talked about."

He also possessed a deep Christian faith, relatives said. He and his wife, Tracy, reportedly belonged to the same Brethren church group in college. Since Garton's death, friends from that group have rallied to the family's side, delivering meals and helping with household chores.

"I just spent the last hour and a half with Officer Shawn Shimono at the Gartons' house, and I spoke with Tracy for a little while," friend Greg Cox wrote on Facebook late Thursday. "Please pray for her and the boys, her heart is very heavy with the loss of Andrew, and for her boys who will have to grow up with no father. After this settles down we all need to be there for her and the boys."

At Saturday's press conference, family spokesman Motley said the fallen officer's wife and children were grateful for the "overwhelming show of support from the law enforcement community, the religious community and the public at large."

Many community members and colleagues said they were grateful in return.

"You were always so kind and encouraging to all the boys on [your son's baseball] team," one person wrote on Garton's Facebook tribute page.

"5M3, you were one of the nicest officers I have had the pleasure of dispatching for,"  said another post. "I know you will be the guardian angel looking out and keeping all of the units safe while on patrol."

Funeral arrangements

A viewing will be held Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at  in Cypress, with an open microphone for those who wish to share stories about Garton. Funeral services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday at the same church. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress.

In lieu of flowers, the Hawthorne Police Officers Association requests donations to a trust fund set up to help Garton's family. Donations can be made via the Western Federal Credit Union, 14500 S. Aviation Blvd. in Hawthorne, or at the Hawthorne police station, 12501 S. Hawthorne Blvd. Donations should be made out to: Officer Andrew Garton's Family, c/o HPOA, account No. 654404-006.