Police Officer Vincent Munch

End of Watch: November 18, 1944

San Luis Obispo Police Officer Vincent Munch died in a motorcycle accident on November 18, 1944.  Munch was responding to an emergency call when his police motorcycle was struck by a fire engine. Munch died at the scene of the collision at Higuera and Broad Streets.

Munch began his career with the San Luis Obispo Police Department in 1939.  He was assigned as a Traffic Officer and rode one the three city-owned motorcycles.

At 37 years old, Vincent Munch was survived by two sons and preceded in death by his wife earlier that year.

Police Officer John Courtney Bond

End of Watch: July 2, 1952

Police Officer John Courtney Bond died during a training exercise at the San Luis Obispo Police Station on July 2, 1952.  Bond was struck by a bullet accidentally discharged from a fellow officer in the lobby of the station.  Bond had been a police officer in San Luis Obispo for three years. Prior to becoming a police officer, Bond worked for Disney as an illustrator. 

At 35 years old, John Courtney Bond was survived by his wife, a son, and his parents. 

Police Detective Luca Benedetti

End of Watch: May 10, 2021

On May 10, 2021, Police Detective Luca Benedetti was shot and killed while serving a search warrant in the City of San Luis Obispo. He was one of two detectives struck by gunfire during that warrant service. Benedetti was a veteran peace officer with 13 years of service, nine of those years with the San Luis Obispo Police Department.  He served in many capacities including as a member of the San Luis Obispo County regional SWAT team.

Luca Benedetti, 37 years old, was survived by his wife and two young daughters, his parents, a sister, and large extended family.