Howard Ellsworth Dallies

Howard Ellsworth Dallies (born September 10, 1956) devoted much of his adult life to public service in Orange County. He began his law-enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, served with the Placentia Police Department, and in 1984 joined the Garden Grove Police Department. Over his years with Garden Grove he earned the rank of master officer, was known as a patient, sincere and polite presence on the street, and became a mentor to younger officers — qualities colleagues and community members repeatedly recalled.

Outside the badge, public records and memorial notices identify Howard as a husband and father of two young sons. His steady professionalism and 26 citizen commendations (noted in departmental and memorial accounts) reflected a commitment to everyday policing and to helping others; fellow officers described him as someone who took pride in improving his work and supporting trainees. He was scheduled for further advancement and was respected for both his competence and quiet leadership.

Howard’s death on March 9, 1993, while on duty in Garden Grove, left family, fellow officers and the wider community grieving. In the years since, he has been honored at department memorials, included on the California Peace Officers’ memorial roll, and remembered in annual Garden Grove ceremonies that pay tribute to officers lost in the line of duty. Those remembrances emphasize his role as a dedicated public servant and a father, rather than focusing only on the circumstances of his death.

Howard Dallies’ life was one of service — to his family, to trainees he guided, and to the neighborhoods he patrolled. Though details in public records are necessarily limited, the consistent picture from official memorials and news accounts is of a career officer who earned the trust and respect of those around him. His memory continues to be honored by the Garden Grove Police Department and the community he served.