San Gabriel Valley : Festival to Aid Fund in Officer’s Memory

Organizers of a scholarship fund to honor Glendora Police Officer Louis Pompei, whose murder in June jolted the city, hope a massive fund-raiser today will go a long way toward their $20,000 goal.

The event is the latest outpouring of support for the memory of Pompei, who was shot to death off-duty when he tried to stop a robbery at a San Dimas supermarket.

The evening event includes a dunk tank featuring, among others, City Police Chief Paul Butler and Councilman Marshall Mouw, as well as food, dancing, a magic show and live music from a local band, “To the Rescue.” In-N-Out burger is among the sponsors.

“Hopefully, this will show what Louis stood for and believed in did not go in vain,” said Javany Martinez, whose wife, Cynthia, is organizing the event. All proceeds from the $5-a-person tickets will go toward the annual scholarship fund--established with the Pompei family’s blessing--for a college student pursuing a career in law enforcement, Martinez said. Organizers have already collected a little more than $3,200 for the fund, he said.

Festivities run 7 p.m. to midnight in the grounds of the Meadowwood Apartments, 634 E. Alosta Ave., Glendora.