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Glendale walks beat for Burbank Officers and civilian workers patrolled city on Friday during funeral for Officer Matthew Pavelka. By Darleene Barrientos The Leader November 22, 2003 BURBANK — Gray skies Friday reflected the somber mood of Glendale Police officers as they patrolled unfamiliar streets while Burbank Police buried one of their own. After Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka was killed a week ago tonight in a brief shootout with suspected gang members, Glendale Police have helped the neighboring city by executing search warrants for David A. Garcia, who is wanted in connection with the shooting. Glendale Police lent Burbank a lieutenant, two sergeants, 22 officers to patrol the city and several civilian workers to staff that department's front desk, records bureau and jail to allow Burbank personnel to attend the funeral of the first officer killed on the job in 80 years. The Glendale men and women working in Burbank were either off-duty and volunteering their time or part of Glendale Police's volunteer reserve force. "In roll call this morning, we explained the need to act with professionalism and dignity," Glendale Police Lt. Pete Michael said. "It was our way of honoring Officer Pavelka, since we could not attend the funeral. I advised the officers, 'Honor him by doing what he wanted to do.' " On Nov. 15, Burbank Police Officer Gregory Campbell became suspicious when the occupants of a 1999 Cadillac Escalade could not produce the sport utility vehicle's registration papers. Campbell called for backup and Pavelka responded to the scene in the north lot of the Ramada Inn at 2900 N. San Fernando Blvd. As the officers approached the SUV, suspected gang members Ramon Aranda, 25, and Garcia, 19, both of Sun Valley, got out of the car and started shooting at the two officers, police said. Campbell and Pavelka returned fire, killing Aranda. Garcia fled on foot and was still at large Friday. Campbell's injuries were critical, but doctors expect him to recover. Pavelka died in surgery late that night. As more than 3,000 people paid their respects to Pavelka during his funeral at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, retired Burbank Police Lt. Wade Taylor said he was happy to come in and work so another officer could go to the funeral. "I spent 30 years here," Taylor said. "I look at it as, Matt spent 10 months here. His sacrifice was such that I was honored to come in here and provide an opportunity for someone to attend his funeral." Activity in Burbank was minimal Friday, Glendale Police Sgt. Javier Ruiz said, and residents have been very supportive of the outside agencies' efforts. One woman approached him at lunch to thank him for his help. The dedication and solemnity that every outside agency has given to finding Pavelka's alleged killer has been touching, Taylor said. "Everybody has just been marvelous," he said. "Looking at everyone working on the task force — everyone is working like a personal friend has been killed." News Topics | Home | Research | History | Blood Gangs | Crip Gangs | People| Life in a Gang | Gallery | Iraqi Cards | Memorial | Migration | Graffiti | Resume| Injunctions Homicides | Maps | California Prisons | Contact

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