LAPD honors first motor officer to die in line of duty

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- For the Los Angeles Police Department, it was a chance to right a wrong almost 100 years in the making. Remembering a fellow officer killed in the line of duty back in 1916, and then, for some reason, buried in an unmarked grave.

"We are here today to mark in time the sacrifice of Officer Kreps," said LAPD First Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger.

Officer Walter R. Kreps was the first LAPD motorcycle officer to die in the line of duty. He was killed on Avenue 20 in Lincoln Heights when his police motorcycle was struck by a police car that was returning from a call.

He suffered major injuries including a fractured skull and hip along with a serious laceration to his face, according to the LAPD website. He was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Kreps had served with the LAPD for five years. His grave is now marked with his headstone.

"It doesn't get any better than to have LAPD's finest, the motors, here for this ceremony," said Tim Tumbrink, Kreps' relative.

A second memorial, which includes a replica of his Indian motorcycle, was set up in his honor at LAPD headquarters.

Technology has come a long way for motorcycle officers since 1916, but the job is harder too, in large part because of distracted drivers.

"With technology nowadays, we find that people try and do more and more everyday, and part of that is either their cell phone or their tablet or, you know, talking on a hands-free device or whatever the case may be, but driving is probably one of the most dangerous things that the motoring public will do," said LAPD officer Mitch Nowlen.

From 1916 to 2014, riding a police motorcycle on the streets of L.A. has always been a challenge, and that's why these officers say it's so important that no one is ever forgotten.