Officer Chris Wilson was born on June 18, 1960 and grew up in Arizona, Alaska and Rhode Island before settling in Fairlee, Vermont where he attended Blue Mountain Union High School. He was a talented athlete and served as captain of his varsity basketball team, leading them to their first state championship before graduating in 1979. After college, Chris took a commission in the United States Navy as an Ensign, then promoting to a Lieutenant Junior Grade and ultimately a Lieutenant.

After five years of service to the Navy, Chris joined the San Diego Police Department on March 16, 1993. Chris was committed to serving as a uniformed patrol officer in Southeastern Division. He served honorably as a SWAT Officer, Field Training Officer and Peer Support Officer where he counseled other officers who had been involved in critical incidents.

He was a committed parent and deeply involved in his children’s lives. He was room parent for his daughter, Kaylee, and son, Conner, while they attended grammar school and coached both of them in youth athletics.

On October 27, 2010, Chris responded to assist the US Marshalls Service and San Diego County Probation Department with serving an arrest warrant for a violent felon. While making entry into the room where the suspect was hiding, Chris’ team was immediately met by gunfire. His strong will to live allowed him to survive long enough to pass while surrounded by his loved ones on October 28.

Chris will be remembered as a dedicated police officer who took immense pride in wearing the uniform and patrolling the streets of San Diego. He was known as a caring officer who never hesitated to help people who had fallen on hard times. Just days after his death, two men who appeared to be homeless flagged down a Southeastern patrol unit. They handed over a money order made out to Chris Wilson’s name. The two men had collected $20 in recycling bottles and cans and said, “This isn’t much, but it’s all we have. We want you to give it to Chris Wilson’s family.  He was a good man.”