William C. Getman
In 1857 the voters elected William C. Getman to succeed Sheriff Bettis. Getman's term of
service was the briefest of any person who ever served the county as Sheriff. He was the
second to be killed in line of duty.
"Billy" Getman, as he was popularly known, was a western hero in every sense of the word,
and he was well qualified to perform the job to which he was elected.
As a soldier during the Mexican War, he had been severely wounded by grapeshot at the
storming of Belen Gate in siege of Mexico City. For two years prior to his election as sheriff,
he had served as city marshal of Los Angeles. He was also a lieutenant in the Rangers. This
was a law enforcement organization that had evolved from the city's volunteer police force.
Getman had been in office only a few days when he was informed that a man named Reed was
causing some concern in town. When the Sheriff and a deputy, Francis Baker, arrived at the
scene they found that Reed had barricaded himself in a room adjacent to a pawnshop. As
Sheriff Getman was about to force the door, Reed suddenly burst through it. As Reed ran out
he pulled a pistol from his pocket and fired point blank at the young sheriff, killing him
instantly. A running gun battle ensued, and armed Angelenos joined the fray and began
shooting at the fleeing felon. This tragic incident occurred on January 7, 1859, and Sheriff
Getman was buried two days later. Once again the Board of Supervisors was called upon to
appoint someone to complete the unexpired term of a Sheriff. The person chosen was James
Thompson.