A highway memorial sign honoring Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Thomas H. Pohlman who died in the line of duty in 1978 will be unveiled Tuesday. The sign will designate the interchange at Interstate 10 and Interstate 710 in the County of Los Angeles as the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Thomas H. Pohlman Memorial Interchange.
Thomas H. Pohlman was appointed as a sheriff's deputy on May 29, 1973. On April 19, 1978, Deputy Pohlman was on patrol when he smelled ether, used to manufacture PCP, coming from a nearby home. As Deputy Pohlman and his partner approached the house, a man bolted from the home. Pohlman began a foot pursuit of the suspect, while his partner went back to the patrol car to call for assistance. Deputy Pohlman caught the suspect, and while the suspect was being handcuffed, a struggle ensued. The suspect gained control of Pohlman's revolver and shot him between the eyes, and Deputy Sheriff Pohlman died at the scene.
Deputy Pohlman's wife, Jenny, was pregnant with their daughter and they also had a 5-year-old son, both of whom are now grown with children of their own. Tom served as a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for four years and bravely gave his life in service to his community.
In recognition of Deputy Sheriff Pohlman's commitment and sacrifice while serving and protecting the residents of the County of Los Angeles, it is a fitting tribute to designate the interchange at Interstate 10 and Interstate 710 in the County of Los Angeles as the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Thomas H. Pohlman Memorial Interchange.
