Holly MatkinLos Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Paul Ahn died on April 28 after suffering a medical emergency, according to his department.
The off-duty officer suffered a “reported medical emergency” early that morning and could not be revived, the LAPD said in a press release hours later.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is deeply saddened to announce the death of Police Officer Paul Ahn,” the department said. “Rest in Peace Paul.”
During an interview with The Korea Daily in 2009, Officer Ahn said he knew he wanted to become a law enforcement officer after he witnessed the Los Angeles riots in 1992.
He said he was a business major in college at the time.
Officer Ahn’s family owned a store and he and his mother were on their way home in Downey after closing up the business when they were attacked by an angry mob, he told The Korea Daily.
He said two LAPD officers rushed to their aid and protected him and his mother from further harm – an experience that altered the course of his life.
Officer Ahn said that instead of continuing on as a business major, he decided to pursue a law enforcement career, The Korea Daily reported.
He joined the LAPD in 1995.
Officer Ahn was honored with an Outstanding Officer Award in 2006, The Korea Daily reported.
He was assigned to the LAPD’s Training Division at the time of his death, according to his department.
The LAPD is deeply saddened to announce the death of Police Officer Paul Ahn, who passed away earlier this morning while off-duty due to a reported medical emergency.
Officer Ahn began his LAPD career in 1995 and was last assigned to Training Division.
Rest In Peace Paul. pic.twitter.com/fshUObBlHO
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 29, 2023
HERO DOWN!!
We send so much love and prayers to Officer Shin’s loved ones and LAPD at this very sad time.
“When a Hero falls an Angel rises.” #irishangel #bkesstheblueThe Los Angeles Police Department is deeply saddened to announce the death of Police Officer Paul Ahn, who… pic.twitter.com/Z7MmVZJUf8
— Irish Angel Inc. (@BlueIrishAngel2) April 30, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Paul Ahn, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
