Former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates remembered in downtown memorial service
By APTuesday, April 27, 2010
Ex-LAPD chief remembered in memorial service
LOS ANGELES — Thousands of police officers from around California have gathered to remember former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates.
A procession accompanied Gates’ casket through downtown streets Tuesday morning and ended with a memorial service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels.
Current LAPD Chief Charlie Beck praised Gates as a man who loved and was loved by his officers.
Gates was 83 when he died of cancer earlier this month.
He was chief in 1978-92.
Gates helped professionalize the department and created the first SWAT team but he also was outspoken and controversial.
His final years as chief were marred by the Rodney King beating and 1992 riots. Police were criticized for their slow response to the violence, which left dozens dead.
