Officer Matthew Pavelka was killed in the line of duty on November 15, 2003.

Officer Pavelka was born on September 1, 1977, West Hills, California. He graduated from Simi Valley High in 1996. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2001 where he was awarded two medals for meritorious service. Matt was hired as a Police Recruit in August of 2002, and attended the Ventura County Sheriff's Academy. Upon completion, he was promoted to Police Officer in January of 2003. He had been a police officer only 10 months at the time of his death. Officer Pavelka is survived by his parents, Michael and Sue Pavelka, brother Nick, sister-in-law Sharon, and his girlfriend Jessica.

The Burbank Police Officers Association has established a memorial fund and a trust fund. The memorial fund is in memory of Officer Matthew Pavelka, as well as a trust fund set up for Officer Greg Campbell, who was critically wounded in the same incident, to assist the Campbell family. Donations to either/both of the funds can be directed to: