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Garrett Park in Redwood City honors a true hero: George L. Garrett Jr.
Garrett was a Redwood City police officer who was in the local narcotics division.
On May 18, 1981, a teller at the Bank of America branch at 110 California Street activated the silent alarm. An urgent phone call from the bank followed. Within moments several officers arrived on the scene. During the robbery, one of the bank officers was in the line of fire and about to be struck by a bullet from the criminal.
However, Officer Garrett immediately jumped into action and pushed the bank officer out of the way, which saved her life. Tragically, Garrett took the two shots which were meant for the bank officer. Garrett succumbed to his wounds.
Adding to the tragedy, his wife was pregnant with their first child.
Less than three weeks after his murder she gave birth to a daughter who she named Nicole.
Garrett was only 39 years old when his life was snuffed out. He was a narcotics officer and had been with the police force for 8 years. He was passionate about serving the community and regularly helped local youth organizations. He spent many hours talking to students and youth groups about staying out of trouble and away from drugs.
The City honored Officer Garrett by renaming Canyon Park George L. Garrett Jr. Memorial Park. Dedication services took place July 10, 1981.
Another officer who died in the line of duty was Herman Fleishman, who was killed by a drunk driver.
Everything else is just history.
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
