Matthew Pavelka
September 1, 1977 - November 15, 2003
Officer Matthew Pavelka was born on September 1, 1977, West Hills, California. He graduated from Simi Valley High in 1996. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2001 where he was awarded two medals for meritorious service. Pavelka was hired as a Police Recruit in August of 2002, and attended the Ventura County Sheriff's Academy. Upon completion, he was promoted to Police Officer in January of 2003.
On November 15, 2003, Officer Pavelka was murdered in the line of duty when he stopped a pair of Vineland Boys (VLB) gang members who decided to protect their stash of methamphetamine by shooting it out with Officer Pavelka and his partner, Officer Greg Campbell. Officer Pavelka became the first Burbank officer to be shot and killed in the line of duty. Officer Campbell was wounded and paralyzed. He is still recovering, but has returned to duty. While one suspect was killed in the shootout, one escaped, until he was captured thirteen days later. Matthew was the son of 31-year veteran LAPD Detective Michael Pavelka.
The investigation into Officer Pavelka's has been ongoing. Recent developments in this...
June 21, 2005 - Twenty-three members of the VLB street gang were arrested over the last 24 hours pursuant to a federal racketeering indictment that accuses them of a host of narcotic, weapon and violent crimes, including the murder of a 16-year-old witness and a Burbank Police Officer. Thirteen other defendants are already in custody, including the man accused of pulling the trigger that killed Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka. Eight of the 43 indicted persons remain at large. [...]
Googlers arrived here looking for info on Officer Pavelka due to the post on this...
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