A veteran Los Angeles Police Department officer assigned to an elite tactical division died Thursday after suffering a medical emergency during a dive team training exercise in Huntington Beach.
Officer Thomas Daniel Denton reportedly fell ill at approximately 11 a.m. Authorities have not yet explained what happened during the exercise.
Denton had served with the LAPD since 2006 and was a member of the Metropolitan Division, a specialized unit responsible for tactical support and crime suppression.
Huntington Beach firefighters responded to the scene. Denton was transported to Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officials have not identified the precise location of the training exercise or released additional details about the circumstances of his death.
On Thursday evening, a procession carried Denton’s body from the hospital to the Orange County Coroner’s Office in Santa Ana. The coroner’s office will determine the official cause of death.
Family members, friends, and dozens of police officers and firefighters gathered along the route to honor Denton as the procession passed.
During the procession, firefighters were seen carefully folding a flag in tribute to the fallen officer.
The circumstances surrounding Denton’s death remain under investigation.
Public records show that Denton held the rank of Police Officer III as of April 2025.
Messages of condolence and remembrance followed news of his death.
“With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and our entire law enforcement community as we mourn the loss of Police Officer Thomas Denton, Serial No. 38039,” the Los Angeles Police Museum said in a Facebook post. “May his service and dedication always be remembered.”
“AOCDS extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and LAPD partners of Officer Thomas Denton, who tragically lost his life during an on-duty training exercise,” the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs said on Facebook.
“We stand with our brothers and sisters at LAPD during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Officer Denton. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The California Post contacted the LAPD and the Orange County Coroner’s Office for comment.
