Officer Dies After Training Session

A 33-year-old Orange County sheriff’s special officer collapsed and died Wednesday after participating in a baton training class at the Sheriff’s Training Academy, officials said.

Gary Lawrence Lofgren of Anaheim had just completed the training session and was resting with others in his class when he collapsed about 2 p.m., Lt. Ron Wilkerson said.

“He was sitting outside, talking with other students when it suddenly happened,” Wilkerson said.

Paramedics took Lofgren to Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center where he died, Wilkerson said.

Sheriff’s special officers provide security at such places as airports and county buildings. They are sworn officers but, unlike deputies, are not empowered to act off duty. They do not go out on patrol as deputies do, Wilkerson said.

The baton exercise was part of a 16-hour instruction program. Students spent the morning in a classroom learning how to use batons.

They later practiced on the field by striking dummies with the baton in a series of drills that each lasted a few seconds, Wilkerson said. Finally, the students returned indoors where they tested their baton skills on an instructor wearing protective gear.

“The instructor does not strike back,” Wilkerson added. “This was not an endurance type exercise. It’s so that they demonstrate the knowledge of proper baton techniques.”

Officials said the cause of death was unknown pending autopsy results.