Sergeant Donald Sowma

Appointed: July 3, 1964

End of Watch: November 19, 1976

Donald Jack Sowma was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on June 22, 1954, after serving his 4 years in the Korean War. During his enlistment in the Navy he received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (2 stars) and the United Nations Defense Service Medal.

Donald Sowma joined the Cypress Police Department as a Patrolman on July 3, 1964, where he served as a patrol officer responding to calls for service until his promotion to Detective on November 29, 1967. While a member of the Detective Bureau, Detective Sowma worked various investigative assignments until his promotion to Sergeant on July 10, 1968. Sergeant Sowma served as a field supervisor until his promotion to Lieutenant on July 3, 1972.

After serving as a Lieutenant for several years, Sergeant Sowma requested a reduction in rank to return to his first love, working in the field, supervising police officers. His request was granted on February 24, 1975.

During Sergeant Sowma’s career with the Cypress Police Department, he was awarded his Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Certificates by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Sergeant Sowma was admired and respected as a supervisor. He took pride in teaching and mentoring his subordinates. As a result of his dedicated service, his subordinates and peers named him the 1970 Officer of the Year.

Sergeant Sowma’s hobbies included softball and motorcycle riding.

In the early morning hours of November 19, 1976, Sergeant Donald Sowma responded to a report of an intrusion alarm in a local business complex. While checking the building’s interior, Sergeant Sowma was shot to death by an armed burglar who had secreted himself in the building.

Sergeant Sowma is survived by his wife Colleen and children Michael, Donald Jr., Donna (deceased), and Jimmy.