El Monte Police Department Chief Ben Lowry died Monday due to unspecified health issues, according to a department statement.
Lowry was 45-years old at the time of his passing. The exact cause of his death was not specified,
Lowry’s position will be assumed by Acting Chief Jake Fisher, according to the El Monte Police Department.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lowry family during this difficult time,” Fisher said in a statement. “We are all at a loss and mourning a great leader, man, husband, son, friend, and colleague. 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 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He transferred to the El Monte Police Department in 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.
During his years of service with the El Monte Police Department, Lowry had a number of roles, in the Field Services Division, the Administrative Services Division, the Patrol Division, the Traffic Safety Bureau, the Community Relations Office, the School Resource Officer program, the Detective Bureau, the Gang and Narcotics Unit and the Records Bureau.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have yet to be announced, though a procession was scheduled for 4:30 P.M. on Monday from Foothill Community Presbyterian Church in El Monte to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Covina Hills.