In memory of LAPD Specialist Reserve Max Kerstein R1367

The Reserve Officer and Volunteer Section of the Los Angeles Police Department regret to announce the passing of one of its dedicated members.  Specialist Reserve Max Kerstein passed away on November 17, 2024 in West Los Angeles, California.

Max joined the LAPD Reserve Corps back in 1983 at the young age of 60.  Max became a Specialist Reserve at Pacific Division working with officers and detectives.  Max developed a specialty of utilizing the law enforcement data bases to search for outstanding warrants on suspects.  Max became so proficient at his craft that he turned it into an art form.  No wanted felons or dangerous street terrorists slipped past Max's electronic net.  Max was able to find warrants on suspects that had been missed by patrol officers and detectives.  Max was responsible for the active capture of over 20,000 felons that were taken off the streets.  Max developed a training program to share his knowledge and technique with other Department members.  The city of Los Angeles is a much safer place because of this incredible volunteer.  Max served the Department in many capacities for over 26 years and recently transferred to the new Olympic Station.  Max was a founding member and major contributor of the LAPD Reserve Speaker's Bureau.  In 2006, Max was recognized by the state when he was awarded the California Reserve Peace Officer Association's Reserve Officer of the Year.
 

We will all miss Max and his exuberance for life and tireless work ethic that he displayed on a daily basis.  Max served the citizens, Department and the Reserve Corps with honor and dignity.

Comments

[Mike]

Max was a gentleman and a dedicated professional. He will be missed

[Jeff]

Max was a great friend and a great man. He will be sorely missed.

[Bruce]

I had the honor of working with Reserve Officer Max Kirstein for several years at Pacific Area. He was very dedicated and always the consumate professional. Max's spirit of volunteerism and his dedication to community service were second to none. There will never be another Max and he will surely be missed. Perhaps the Area C/O or Community Relations Unit OIC could find it within themselves to nominate Max to President Obama for some type of volunteerism award? It would be much deserved and an appropriate tribute to Max for his many years of selfless service to the LAPD and citizens of Los Angeles!