Slain Officer Remembered with Freeway Memorial

The California State Assembly has approved Assembly Constitutional Resolution 100, which includes a provision by Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) that honors LAPD officer Ian Campbell, the victim of the 1963 Onion Field murder. 

The provision designates a section of California State Route 101 in Los Angeles County the "Ian J. Campbell Memorial Freeway."

"Officer Campbell gave his life to protect California’s citizens,” Feuer said. “Our public safety officers face this sobering prospect when they go to work. In honoring Officer Campbell’s memory, we are reminded of the sacrifices the men and women of law enforcement make each day to keep us safe."

Los Angeles Police Officer Ian J. Campbell was conducting a stop of a suspicious vehicle at Gower Street and Carlos Avenue in Hollywood, CA in 1963, when he was kidnapped at gunpoint by the vehicle occupants. The assailants then forcibly took him to a deserted onion field south of Bakersfield, where they shot him to death.  

Officer Campbell’s killers were caught shortly afterwards and convicted for his murder.

"On March 9, 1963, Ian J. Campbell sacrificed his life in the performance of his duty,” said Cliff Armas, Secretary of the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. "It is of vital importance we do not forget those fallen warriors who have given up their lives to ensure we can enjoy our freedom. When our nation remembers their heroes, their acts of valor will always serve as a source of inspiration – we must never forget."

At the time of his death, Officer Campbell was 31 years old and had served with the department for five years. He was a decorated Korean War veteran with the Marine Corps and left behind two young daughters. 

ACR 100 contains all proposed transportation memorial resolutions for 2012.  The Department of Transportation will erect the memorial signage upon receipt of donation from non-state funding sources.