Remembering Our Heroes

San Leandro Police Department Fallen Officers Memorial
Nels Daniel Dan Niemi

Police Officer Nels Daniel "Dan" Niemi

Badge Number 298
End of Watch (EOW): July 25, 2005
Age: 42 / Tour: 3 years / Cause: Gunfire
Suspect: Sentenced to death

Officer Nels "Dan" Niemi was investigating an 11 pm disturbance call on Doolittle Drive.  As Officer Niemi spoke to some of the residents, a man drove up to the scene and actively engaged Officer Niemi in conversation.  Without any warning, the man produced a handgun and shot Officer Niemi several times, killing him.  The suspect fled the scene on foot and was apprehended the next day.  He was convicted of first-degree murder and subsequently sentenced to death.  Officer Niemi had served with the San Leandro Police Department for 3 years.  He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Donald F. Spingola

Reserve Police Officer Donald F. Spingola

Badge Number 26
EOW:  September 29, 1969
Age: 24 / Tour: 3 months / Cause: Accidental Gunfire

Reserve Officer Spingola was killed after being struck by a ricochet bullet that had been fired by another officer at an escaping burglary suspect. Officer Spingola had served with the agency for only 3 months.

Frederick Raymond Haller

Police Officer Frederick Raymond Haller

Badge Number 22
EOW: April 20, 1961
Age: 31 / Tour: 5 years / Cause: Gunfire
Suspect: Never identified

Patrolman Haller was shot and killed while on patrol. An unknown assailant shot the policeman seven times as he sat at the wheel of his patrol car. Patrolman Haller had served with the agency for 5 years. He was survived by his expectant wife and two children.

Fallen Officers Plaques