Benjamin Bingham Lowry

Police Chief Benjamin Lowry worked for 22 years in law enforcement, beginning at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy in 2000 and transferring to the El Monte Police Department in 2002. He was diagnosed with a rare Lipo-Sarcoma cancer, attributed to toxin exposure on the job. After a valiant battle with the disease, he passed on October 24, 2022, at the age of 45.

Lowry was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in San Gabriel, California. He was the youngest of six boys and a twin. He was raised by his loving parents, Ray and Marilyn. He loved the outdoors as a youth, biking, skateboarding, playing football in the yard and keeping out of trouble. His interests included music, sports, weightlifting, dancing, singing, playing the guitar, camping and spending time with friends. Lowry was an all-around athlete in High School and lettered in football and swimming. He obtained two associate degrees from Rio Hondo College, a B.S. degree from Union Institute and University, and an M.S. degree from Woodbury University. Two of Lowry’s high school friends encouraged him to apply for the Sheriff’s Academy. They all succeeded and Lowry went on to rally more friends to become first responders, but also specifically to join the El Monte PD.

Lowry met his future wife, Amber, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they were both members of a congregation for young single adults. They were married and were raising four children together. Lowry steadily rose through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, SWAT lead, Police Union President and Chief. He led the El Monte PD through its darkest hour, when two of their fellow officers were murdered while saving an abused wife and daughter in 2022. He led with faith, putting the needs of his department and the community ahead of his own progressive suffering from his disease. He was admired for his energy, patience, compassion, integrity, character and competence. He truly loved his faith, his God, his family and his community.

On the one-year anniversary of his death, the El Monte Police Department unveiled a plaque dedicating the Main Police Services Building in honor of Chief Lowry.

Police Chief Benjamin Lowry is survived by his loving wife, Amber, his children, Jake, Ella, Ivy and Porter, his parents, Ray and Marilyn, and his brothers, Adam, Jake, Joe, Noah, and his fraternal twin, Sam.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Lowry family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.