Officer Larry Dean Crom

Larry Dean Crom was born June 3, 1938 in San Joaquin County. He began his career in law enforcement on September 24, 1963 when he was hired by the Modesto Police Department as a Parking Enforcement and Fire Officer. 

On August 1, 1964 he was promoted to Patrolman and subsequent title change to Policeman.

On April 22, 1970 Officer Crom was assigned to perform parking and traffic officer duties downtown Modesto in a police traffic scooter. He was struck by a station wagon driven by a female who was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.

Officer Crom received severe head trauma and a broken hip due to the collision. He was transported to Scenic General Hospital, which at the time had the only real emergency trauma room in the City of Modesto. One of the Modesto Ambulance crew who cared for Officer Crom that day was eventually a Sergeant who retired from Modesto Police Department.

Due to the serious head injuries suffered by Officer Crom in this incident he became an invalid and needed care and assistance for the rest of his life. He was never able to return to work and was medically retired on May 1, 1971.

Over the years, contact was lost with Officer Crom. In 2005, members of the Peace Officers Memorial Group were contacted by the caregiver of Officer Crom. This was during the time Sergeant Steve May, EOW 23 Jul 2009, was hospitalized after being struck broadside by a suspect fleeing other officers.

The caregiver stated Officer Crom was intrigued by the similarities of his own incident and that of Sergeant May and asked if he could visit him. A background investigation revealed this incident and Officer Crom was “found” after many years.

Since then, arrangements were made for him to attend police functions, tour the police facilities, and meet officers both young and old. A Modesto Police ball cap was given to him and he always wore it proudly.

Officer Crom died 28 Feb 2017. A significant condition contributing to his death was the neuromuscular condition caused by brain damage suffered by Officer Crom in this incident.

Larry's cremains are in the care and custody of his eldest son.

Officer Crom is honored at the National Peace Officer Memorial in Washington, D.C., Panel 51-W, Line 32.