El Monte announces death of police chief

EL MONTE - Funeral arrangements were pending Tuesday for El Monte Police Department Chief Ben Lowry, who died from unspecified health issues, according to a department statement.

Lowry died Monday. He was 45.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lowry family during this difficult time," Acting Chief Jake Fisher said in a statement.

"We are all at a loss and mourning a great leader, man, husband, son, friend and colleague," Fisher added. "Chief Lowry's dedication and commitment to the department and the residents of El Monte will never be forgotten. Throughout his tenure, he showed his love for the city of El Monte, leading with compassion and unity. I am grateful to have known and served with Chief Lowry for many years."

Lowry's career began in 2000 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and he had been with the El Monte Police Department since 2002.

Lowry was appointed interim police chief in December of 2021 and was officially appointed chief in June of 2022 following his leadership after the fatal shooting of El Monte Police Department Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana.

Of their deaths, Lowry said, "I've heard the only way to take the sting out of death is to take the love out of life."

During his years of service with the El Monte Police Department, Lowry had a number of roles within the Field Services Division, Administrative Services Division, Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Bureau, Community Relations Office, School Resource Officer program, Detective Bureau, Gang and Narcotics Unit and Records Bureau.

Funeral and memorial arrangements have yet to be announced. A memorial procession took place Monday afternoon, traveling between Foothill Community Presbyterian Church in El Monte to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Covina Hills.