Chief Moore’s Statement on the Loss of an Officer – NR22152rc

Today, we mourn the loss of Police Officer II Houston Tipping, Serial No. 43382, Devonshire Area, who passed away following a tragic on-duty accident that occurred during a training exercise at our Elysian Park Academy this past Thursday. At the time of the accident Officer Tipping was a bike instructor engaged in a training scenario involving grappling with another officer. During the scenario Officer Tipping fell to the floor and suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury. Officers immediately began CPR and summoned a LA Fire rescue who transported Officer Tipping to USCMC. Despite the extraordinary measures taken by the medical professionals there, Officer Tipping succumbed to his injuries earlier today surrounded by his family.

Officer Tipping is survived by his parents Richard and Shirley and girlfriend Britney. As we grieve this terrible loss, our thoughts are with the family of Officer Tipping, his Devonshire Area family, and the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department during this difficult time.

True to his character of unending service, Officer Tipping is an organ donor. Over the next few days, his selflessness will save other lives.

The Department is fully investigating the accident in an effort to identify if any additional measures can be taken to ensure such a tragedy is avoided in the future. Chief of Police Michel Moore stated, “We grieve this tragic loss. I am proud of Officer Tipping’s training classmates that immediately sprang into action, initiating CPR and other life saving measures as well as the work of the LA Fire Department. I’m also grateful for Dr. Kenji Inaba and the incredible medical staff at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center for doing everything they could to save him.”