Daniel T. Fraembs, a 37-year-old police officer with the Pomona Police Department, tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 11, 1996. Officer Fraembs was conducting a routine check on three suspicious individuals in an industrial area on South Humane Way, near Mission Boulevard, at approximately 1:30 am. During the pat-down of the first suspect, a second suspect managed to draw a .45 caliber handgun and fatally shot Officer Fraembs in the face.
Despite the immediate danger, Officer Fraembs did not have the opportunity to draw his weapon. His death marked a somber moment as he became the first officer in the 108-year history of the Pomona Police Department to be killed by gunfire while on duty.
The investigation into Officer Fraembs' murder was swift and thorough. Following an extensive search and tips from unidentified sources, the primary suspect, 22-year-old Ronald Bruce Mendoza, was apprehended in Kingman, Arizona, on May 22, 1996. Mendoza, a member of the Mexican Mafia and the Happy Town gang, was later convicted of the murder. In 1997, he was sentenced to death for his heinous crime. The conviction and death sentence were upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2011, reaffirming the gravity of the offense and the justice served for Officer Fraembs' untimely death.
Officer Fraembs was highly regarded within the Pomona Police Department, known for his extensive knowledge of Asian gangs and his dedication to his duty. His death not only left a void in the department but also deeply affected the community he served. Numerous officers, friends, and citizens of Pomona gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor his memory, shedding tears and sharing stories of his commitment and bravery. His funeral, held on May 17, 1996, was attended by his mother, Dorothy, and sister, Darah, who were flown in from Cincinnati, Ohio, to pay their final respects.
Born in Hong Kong and adopted by an American family, Daniel Fraembs' life was marked by service and dedication. He served in the United States Marine Corps, earning numerous accolades before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Department and later the Pomona Police Department. His legacy as a dedicated officer and a beloved member of the community continues to be remembered and honored by those who knew him and by the law enforcement community at large.
