Service Marks Anniversary of Officer’s Death

Exactly a year after Michael F. Clark became the first Simi Valley police officer slain in the line of duty, officials and family members on Sunday memorialized him with two bronze and marble plaques at the police station.

Dozens of Simi Valley police, public officials and others gathered to pay their respects during an hourlong service co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. Clark died Aug. 4, 1995, after a shootout with former social studies teacher Daniel Allan Tuffree.

“That fateful day stole the innocence of our city,” said Police Chief Randy Adams, who went on to describe Clark as “a good man, a good cop, a real hero.”

Clark’s widow, Jenifer, sat quietly with their young son, Bailey, as friends and colleagues remembered the well-liked officer who had worked in the LAPD’s Devonshire Division before taking a job in what is statistically one of the safest cities in America.

“It has been a difficult year for the Simi Valley Police Department,” said Sgt. Anthony Anzilotti, one of the officers who responded as backup and witnessed the deadly shooting last year on Aztec Court. “We’re hopeful and confident justice will be served.”

Tuffree is currently on trial in a Ventura County courtroom for first-degree murder. If convicted, he could be sentenced to death by lethal injection.

The first of the bronze plaques dedicated Sunday will honor any officer who dies while on duty. Clark’s name is alone next to an inscription that reads, “You gave your life to protect the community of Simi Valley. Your bravery and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The second plaque bears a larger-than-life replica of Clark’s badge, number 295, and the span of time the officer lived, from 1966 to 1995. Both plaques will be moved and rededicated when the Simi Valley police headquarters is relocated to a new building sometime in 1997 or 1998.

County Supervisor Judy Mikels closed the ceremony by remarking on the recent spate of law enforcement fatalities in Ventura County--two since she took office, and four since 1993. “I don’t want to do this again. Two is too many,” she said. “The mantle of authority weighs heavily on each and every one of these officers.”