Former LAPD Chief Daryl F. Gates Dies at 83

Los Angeles:  Daryl F. Gates died today at 83 years of age after a short battle with cancer.  The 49th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department passed away at his Newport Beach home with his loved ones at his bedside.

LAPD Chief of Police Charlie Beck eulogized, “Daryl Francis Gates was a one-in-a-million human being.  He inspired others to succeed and, in doing so, changed the landscape of law enforcement around the world.”    

Born August 30, 1926, Gates grew up in Glendale and the Highland Park Area of Los Angeles.  After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy.  Except for his two-year tour in the Navy, Gates was a lifelong resident of Southern California.  He attended and later earned degrees from the University of Southern California.  

Gates Joined the Los Angeles Police Department on Sept. 16, 1949 and rose through the ranks to become the 49th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.  Gates served as the Chief from March 1978 until his retirement in 1992.  

Chief Gates accomplished great things in both good and difficult economic times.  And the successes of several major programs and events in the City of Los Angeles and around the world, especially the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Games, have their roots in the leadership achievements of Daryl Gates.                  

Chief Gates is survived by his long-time companion; his brother, retired LAPD Captain Steven Gates; three children; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Further notification will be forthcoming when details about a memorial service are finalized.

A pictorial slide show, (courtesy of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society) highlighting Chief Gates career with LAPD is accessible clicking here or through the homepage of the Department’s website, www.lapdonline.org, by clicking on a link for more information next to his photo.  The photos are also available by contacting LAPD Media Relations at 213-486-5910.

Comments

[citizen]

No tears for him here. Not one.

[carolee walker davies]

My sympathy to the Gates fsmily, Chief Gates was of great comfort to me when my fatherm Inspector Ed Walker passed away several years ago..and I was most grateful for his presence. I believe he gave the city of Los Angeles great service for masny years.
Carolee Walker Davies

[Gerry McGrath]

Another law enforcement giant gone.
Condolences to The Gates family and the LAPD. Stay safe my brothers and sisters!

[Ken Gunnell]

Chief

I joined LAPD in 02-72 and I am still working in the job that I have always loved. You were the best and I always followed you and your direction with out any question.

Thank you for the years as being the head of the best law enforcement agency in the world.

May God bless and keep you forever.

[Chris Miller]

RIP, Chief. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service.

[mdf]

MY family and I have been apart of LAPD for over 42 yrs. (Father, mother, brother, myself, husband,a nd Uncle) We all worked with and under Chief Gates. He was a great man, that always said what was on his mind, with no sugar coating! Bad guys were exactly what he said they were SCUM. The best times I had on this department, where under the leadership of Chief Gates. I will truly miss him. My family and I wish everyone that loved him our prayers.

[Jefff]

RIP Chief Gates. May the LAPD pay the same honor to you as it did to Cottle.

[Master Chief Jones]

LAPD SWAT played a huge role in the development of groups like Delta Force and SEAL Team 6.

Chief Gates, you were a National Treasure.

"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

Thank you for your service, Sir.

[Credit Check]

George White
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So thanks RIP chief for your contribution against Terrorism Service......we all are so thankful to you........

[Elsa Escobar]

Thank you for your service, Sir.
You will always be remembered.

[Retired LAPD]

Thank you Chief Gates for your leadership and innovation with the LAPD. It was these things that made me want to join the LAPD years ago. Rest in Peace!

[A. Newsperson]

I was a news reporter in LA in the 80s & 90s. Darryl Gates was an honest, kind man who always looked you in the eye and had something nice to say. Not the controversial figure some said he was. I'll always have fond memories of him. Condolences to his friends and family.

[chic]

A sad day indeed......