Officer Richard Timothy Giles
End of Watch
2/14/1962

On Wednesday, February 14th, 1962, the Manhattan Beach Police Department lost one of their own when 29 year old Officer Richard Giles, was killed in a traffic accident. Officer Giles, who had been talking to his best friend and fellow officer, Keith Basset, went in pursuit of a speeding vehicle on his motorcycle down Sepulveda Boulevard. Tragically, a car made a dangerous left turn in front of him, at Sixth Street and Sepulveda Boulevard resulting in a collision. Officer Giles suffered a broken neck and severe internal injuries.

He was transported to South Bay Hospital where six doctors and three nurses fought for four hours to save his life, but to no avail. Officer Giles passed away from the injuries sustained in the accident.

Officer Giles had previously worked at Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach and joined the Manhattan Beach Police Department on December 1, 1958. On September 16, 1961 Officer Giles joined the Police Department’s motorcycle division.

Officer Giles was a dedicated husband and father of two young sons; Daniel age three and David age six. He was remembered by Chief Jerome Withers, “as a good and dedicated policeman,” an opinion echoed by his fellow officers.

We will always remember Officer Tim Giles.