In the Line of Fire : In the last year, nine Southland law enforcement officers have been shot to death while on duty. Here is a look at those officers.

James Wayne MacDonald, 23

Compton Police Department, reserve officer

The incident: Shot execution-style on Feb. 22, 1993, after making a traffic stop with partner Kevin Michael Burrell.

Status of investigation: Suspect Regis Deon Thomas, 22, is awaiting trial.

Family: Single.

“The one thing Jimmy never doubted was that his career would involve giving to people, involve doing for the people,” longtime friend Paul Smith, speaking at MacDonald’s funeral.

*

Kevin Michael Burrell, 29

Compton Police Department, five-year veteran

The Incident: Shot execution-style on Feb. 22, 1993, after making a traffic stop with partner James Wayne MacDonald.

Status of investigation: Suspect Regis Deon Thomas, 22, is awaiting trial.

Family: Survived by his parents and a 3-year-old son.

“This church is filled with love, gratitude and pride. Kevin Burrell has been taken from us, but his memory will survive.” Gov. Pete Wilson, addressing Burrell’s parents.

*

Howard Ellsworth Dallies Jr., 36

Garden Grove Police Department, nine-year veteran

The incident: Gunned down on a quiet residential street March 9, 1993, by a motorcyclist who fired into his stomach, just beneath his bulletproof vest.

Status of investigation: Authorities are searching for a 25-year-old white man, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, 170 pounds and wears his blond hair in a ponytail.

Family: Survived by wife Mary, sons Christopher, 7 and Scott, 4.

Quote: “I’m looking for answers like everyone else and not finding them.” Mary Dallies at a May 12 ceremony where her husband’s name was added to a memorial for slain police officers.

*

Martin Ganz, 29

Manhattan Beach Police Department, five-year veteran

The incident: Shot while making a late-night traffic stop outside the Manhattan Village shopping mall Dec. 27.

Status of investigation: Authorities are seeking a somewhat heavyset Asian man in his 30s who they believe fled in a Daihatsu Charade.

Family: Engaged to be married.

Quote: “I believe the true meaning of Martin’s commitment can be found in the faces of children throughout this community and others whose lives he touched.” Manhattan Beach Police Chief Ted Mertens, speaking at Ganz’ funeral.

*

Kent Hintergardt, 33

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, two-year veteran

The incident: Shot in the head May 9, 1993, as he investigated a domestic dispute outside an apartment house in Temecula.

Status of investigation: The alleged gunman fled with a 12-year-old boy, but later released the youngster unharmed and committed suicide.

Family: Survived by wife, Linda, and 16-month-old daughter, Marissa.

“You can’t say you’ve lost someone if you know where he is. And I know where he is: in God’s presence.” Rev. Greg Laurey, speaking at the deputy’s funeral.

*

James E. O’Brien, 35

Oxnard Police Department detective, nine-year veteran

The incident: Shot in the wake of a rampage at a state unemployment office Dec. 2 in which three others were killed.

Status of investigation: The gunman, Alan Winterbourne, was shot to death minutes later by police outside another unemployment office in Ventura.

Family: Married, with two children.

Quote: “If they need cops in heaven, they got a good one in Jim O’Brien.” Rev. Liam Kidney, speaking at O’Brien’s funeral.

*

Thomas Vanderpool, 57

Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, captain, 13-year veteran

The incident: Shot in the chest by gunman who burst into a police management meeting at the Torrance Holiday Inn on Feb. 14.

Status of investigation: The gunman, David Joseph Fukuto, died in an ensuing struggle in the room.

Family: Married, with three children, died on his 36th wedding anniversary.

“His (personnel) file was full of words like outstanding, positive attitude, loyal, diligent. Tom was full of life for his family and his friends.” Palos Verdes Estates Police Chaplain Drake Morton, speaking at Vanderpool’s funeral.

*

Michael Wayne Tracy, 50

Palos Verdes Estates Police Department captain, 25-year veteran

The incident: Tracy was shot in the chest by Fukuto as he rose to assist his fallen comrade.

Family: Married, with three children.

“Michael loved being a cop. It was his dream come true. He was willing to come to the aid of his fellow officers. He was a hero.” Palos Verdes Estates Police Chaplain Drake Morton, speaking at Tracy’s funeral.

*

Christy Hamilton, 45

Los Angeles Police Department, rookie officer

The incident: Shot in the chest while responding to a 911 call outside a Northridge apartment on Tuesday.

Status of investigation: Assailant Christopher Golly, 17, killed himself, after also fatally shooting his father.

Family: Married, with two children.

“She was a breath of fresh air. She was a pleasure to have here,” LAPD Lt. Dan Hoffman, Hamilton’s commanding officer.

* Main Story, A1