Officer John Randolph Wheeler
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: April 2, 1964
Cause of Death: Vehicular Assault
End of Watch: Friday, October 14, 2005
Date of Incident: Friday, October 14, 2005
Age: 41
Badge Number: 1093
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Suspect Info: Killed in the accident
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P4-W25
TPOM:
Officer John Wheeler was killed in an automobile accident when his patrol car was struck from behind by a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice that was traveling at an estimated 100 mph on Loop 410 near Culebra. Officer Wheeler was running radar at the time of the 2:00 am crash. Both vehicles burst into flames after the impact.
Officer Wheeler was able to send a distress signal from his radio after the collision but was trapped in the vehicle and unable to respond to dispatch. Officer Wheeler's wife was the dispatcher who received the distress call initiated a GPS search and located his vehicle. Emergency crews where unable to rescue him from his burning cruiser. The other driver, who had a BAC over twice the legal limit, was also killed.
In 2003, he had been shot and wounded in the line of duty while responding to a robbery call. Officer Wheeler received the Purple Heart for "Valor in the Line of Duty". He was struck in the neck and leg by 2 of 21 bullets fired at him by men with AK-47s as they fled a robbery.
Officer John Wheeler is survived by his wife Kim Wheeler and two daughters Shayla and Mariah from his first marriage.
Officer Wheeler was born in Montague, Massachusetts to Clifford and Margaret Wheeler. He had two siblings, Jeff Wheeler and Nicole Wheeler Bender. He was married to Kimberly Wheeler, a dispatcher for the SAPD. Officer Wheeler served in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years. He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War ----source San Antonio Express News
On August 16, 2008, The City of San Antonio renamed Chestnut Springs Park to Officer John Randolph Wheeler Park located 10239 Ingram Road, in honor of Officer Wheeler.
Served as a SSGT in the U.S. Air Force and was a Verteran of the Persian Gulf War.
Tragic loss of a wonderful, dedicated young man. The park is a nice peaceful place to reflect what his and all other fallen officers, gave to so many they served so honorably.
ReplyDelete