In Loving Memory: Fremont Police Department

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We thank and remember those who passed away while on duty or while employed by Fremont Police.

Line of Duty

Rodney Hendricks, Detective, Badge #399, EOW March 7th, 1968

On March 7th 1968, the department suffered its first line of duty death. Detective Rodney Hendricks, age 32, was on duty and transporting a 19 year old youth witness in his detective's car. Hendricks’ car collided with another on rain slick Mission Blvd, north of Niles Canyon. Both Hendricks and the witness were killed. The driver of the other vehicle suffered injury but survived. Detective Hendricks had served with the Fremont Police Department for seven years. The department later named a K9 in Hendricks’ honor named “Big Rod”.

David William Jones, Officer, Badge #566, EOW June 6th, 1976

On June 6th 1976, Officer David Jones was killed in an on-duty vehicle collision. Jones was 41 years old. Officer Jones was attempting a left turn from Lowry Ave onto southbound Newark Blvd (current day Union City Blvd), when his patrol car was struck by a station wagon. This location was generally considered a dangerous intersection due to its configuration with a blind spot. Ofc Jones was an 11 year veteran of the force and considered an expert in traffic safety.

The David Jones Park at Lowry Rd. and Lark Way was named after him.

Timothy Joseph Smith, Officer, Badge #1902, EOW January 2nd, 1987

On January 2nd 1987, FPD Ofc. Timothy Smith went for a run around Lake Elizabeth during his on-duty workout period. When Smith returned to the police station he collapsed near the report writing room. Fellow officers performed CPR on Smith. He was transported to Washington Hospital but did not survive. Smith was only 33 years old. Officer Smith had served with the Fremont Police Department for five years and previously served with the Marin County Sheriff's Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department.

While Actively Employed

John V. Fabri, Chief, Badge #809, EOW June 29th, 1975

On June 29th 1975, Fremont Police Chief John V. Fabbri died unexpectedly. John Fabbri was appointed as Fremont’s Police third Chief in 1969 and had served in Law Enforcement for 26 years. Prior to Fremont, Fabbri was Chief for nine years in South San Francisco.

Kathy Woodyard (BART), Officer, Badge #2531, EOW February 13th, 1999

In February of 1999 the department mourned the loss of a dedicated member of the FPD with the death of 32 year old Kathy Woodyard. Kathy was a patrol officer for almost five years when she passed away from breast cancer. She courageously battled cancer while serving the Fremont community.

Linda N. Simoes-Rosa, Forensic Specialist, Badge #2519, EOW March 15th, 2000

In March of 2000, FPD Forensic Specialist Linda Rosa passed away from a long illness. She was a valued member of the department working in the crime lab processing evidence. She started her law enforcement career with the South San Francisco Police Department in 1985. Linda was with the Fremont Police Department from 1991 until her death in 2000 at age 35.

Roger Kellmann, Officer, Badge #2320, EOW November 24th, 2009

In November of 2009 FPD Officer Roger Kellmann passed away unexpectedly at the age of 48. He was an active member of the department; having served as a Crime Scene Investigator, hostage negotiator and field training officer. Kellmann began his law enforcement career with the Pacifica Police Department and joined Fremont PD in 1989. He was with Fremont PD until the time of his passing in 2009.

Donald George, Detective, Badge #2501, EOW December 17th, 2012

At the end of 2012, FPD Detective Donald George passed away unexpectedly at the age of 48. Detective George began his law enforcement career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy in 1987. In 1993 he joined FPD and during his career was a patrol officer, detective, arson investigator and drivers training instructor.

Thomas Fazio, Officer, Badge #12901, EOW March 3rd, 2012

Officer Tom Fazio passed away early in the year 2012 after a valiant struggle with a rare form of cancer. He was only 30 years old. Ofc Fazio served the citizens of Fremont for five years from August 31st, 2006 until the time of his passing.

Captain Frederick H. Bobbitt Jr., Captain, Badge #2464, EOW February 21st, 2022

Captain Fred Bobbitt passed away unexpectedly on February 21st, 2022 at the age of 54. Bobbitt began his law enforcement career in 1985 joining FPD as a Police Explorer and then later as a Reserve Police Officer. In 1990 he became a Detection Technician and in 1997 became a Police Officer. Fred held the rank of Captain at the time of his passing, and served the community for over 37 years.

Matthew John Kerner, Detective, Badge #14792, EOW January 30th, 2023

Detective Mathew Kerner passed away unexpectedly on January 30th 2023 at the age of 32. He joined the Fremont Police Department on July 22nd, 2015 as a Police Officer. He became a narcotics canine handler in 2020. At the time of his death Ofc Kerner had served the citizens of Fremont for over seven years.

Ben Craig Aguirre, Jr., Senior Community Service Officer, Badge #13701, EOW October 28th, 2023

Senior Community Service Officer (CSO) Ben Aguirre, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 43. For almost 13 years, Ben served the City of Fremont as a Fremont Police Community Service Officer, and was well loved by our community. Ben was a great leader at the Fremont Police Department.