November 15, 2023, was the 20th anniversary that marked the end of watch for Burbank Police Department’s fallen Officer Matthew Pavelka. The City of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation held a ceremony at Johnny Carson Park to unveil a plaque and flagpole “in memory of Officer Pavelka’s ultimate sacrifice,” city officials said in a statement.
Pavelka, 26, a U.S. Air Force veteran, became a Burbank police officer on Aug. 5, 2002. He served in Burbank for ten months before being killed by gunmen on November 15, 2003. The statement from city officials said Pavelka is remembered for his dedication to serving and protecting the residents of Burbank.
Fellow officers wear shirts with Pavelka’s name on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Pavelka death in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Family members pose with the memorial plaque on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Pavelka being killed in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Burbank officers of the Baker-to-Vegas team run from the memorial site to the Burbank PD station on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Pavelka’s death in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Burbank officers of the Baker-to-Vegas team run from the memorial site to the Burbank PD station on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Pavelka death in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The memorial plaque on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Pavelka being killed in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Burbank officers salute on the 20th anniversary of Burbank police officer Matthew Pavelka’s death, killed in the line of duty. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed. Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023, Burbank CA.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society play Amazing Grace on the 20th anniversary of Burbank police officer Matthew Pavelka being killed in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Burbank PD Air-1 makes a flyby on the 20th anniversary of Burbank police officer Matthew Pavelka being killed in the line of duty. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed. Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Burbank officers of the Baker to Vegas team run from the memorial sight to the Burbank PD station on the 20th anniversary of Matthew Pavelka being killed in the line of duty Wednesday, Burbank CA. Nov 15, 2023. The city of Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation will unveil a plaque and flagpole at Johnny Carson Park in his memory. Pavelka, 26, was an Air Force veteran who served on the Burbank P.D. for 10 months when he was shot and killed.
Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
“As we pay tribute to Officer Matthew Pavelka, we reflect on his extraordinary courage and unwavering dedication, hallmarks of his tenure in the Air Force and his service with the Burbank Police Department,” Burbank Police Chief Michael Albanese said in a statement. “This plaque and flagpole symbolize his deep commitment and sacrifice, a legacy that will undoubtedly guide and inspire future generations.”
In November of 2003, Burbank police officer Gregory Campbell approached a suspicious parked SUV without a license plate at a Ramada Inn parking lot. He suspected drug activity. Pavelka arrived as backup when two men jumped out of the SUV and opened fire.
Pavelka was killed and Campbell, a 15-year veteran, was critically injured. A 25-year-old gunman was killed while the other gunman escaped on foot. Suspect David Garcia was arrested in 2003 after an extensive manhunt, and in 2012 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
