Ralph L. Gardner was a 45-year-old Signal Hill, California police officer who died on August 20, 1980. He was fatally wounded when his service weapon discharged while he was cleaning it at the police station. The shooting was investigated and ruled an accident; there were no arrests, no suspects, and no criminal charges.

The department and community remembered Officer Gardner for his dedication to public safety. His death was treated as an unintentional line-of-duty tragedy and prompted remembrance rather than legal action.

If anyone knew Officer Gardner or has additional information about that day, please share what is known.