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March 24, 2025: The PPOA family is truly heartbroken to report the unexpected passing of Art Reddy and his wife, Judy, last week. Generations of PPOA members who knew Art likely understand and appreciate what he meant to this Association. His contributions to PPOA stretch back five decades and nobody in the union’s 74-year history committed nearly as much time to the board of directors. To say Art Reddy was one of a kind is an understatement.

Art was first elected to the PPOA board in 1979 as a deputy. Within a year, the board elevated him to vice-president and in 1981 he began his first term as PPOA president. Art served a total of six years as president, which until then, was the longest tenure in that seat for any of the 22 union presidents who came before him. 

Art retired from the Sheriff’s Department in 1994 but was nowhere near finished with the commitment to his beloved brothers and sisters in law enforcement. He began his next chapter in life as vice president of the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA). Following his service to IUPA, Art returned to the PPOA board room, proudly representing retired members. He was re-elected to that seat term after term until he handed the reigns to his longtime friend, retired Sergeant Jim Schallert in 2019. But it will come as no surprise that Art was still intent on making a difference. His unique work experience brought him to the role he would fulfill for the next six years as PPOA’s legislative consultant. Even at 30 years into his retirement, Art analyzed legislative bills with union lobbyists and made the trek from his home in Palm Desert to the PPOA office in San Dimas each month to discuss legislation, state politics and union history with the board of directors. 

Art’s career with the Sheriff’s Department spanned 33 years and his service to public employees after retirement reached 30 years this month. For all we knew, he had no plans to slow down. 

While it’s incredibly difficult to process this profound loss, we are eternally grateful for Art’s contributions to PPOA, to his profession, and to his union brethren. Art was a fixture at PPOA and we loved that. His good-nature, wit, and sense of humor made friends and colleagues feel like family. 

The PPOA board and staff extend our genuine condolences to the Reddy family and Art’s many friends he made during his remarkable 63-year career.

Burial service for Art & Judy Reddy
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
11:00 am
(Please arrive no later than 10:30 am)
Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92518

Reception immediately following the burial service
March Air Field Museum
22550 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92518
Your RSVP to info@ppoa.com is kindly requested by 6/6/25.