PPOA Second Vice President
Crime Analyst, LASD
jwalker@ppoa.com
When I was first elected to the PPOA Board in 1992, I knew very little about unions or the Department. I was voted on and off several times afterward, but one thing that made the ride so amazing was the incredible men and women I encountered along the way. In this article, written as I am about to retire with 39 years and 10 months (I missed the 40-year mark!), I would like to reflect on my colleagues from the Sheriff’s Department whose involvement with me made the ride so much more enjoyable and, actually, made it possible.
When I was hired as a Communication Operator at SRC in 1986, I was lucky enough to be assigned to an amazing dispatcher trainer named Craig Bender. He introduced me to the Sheriff’s Department culture and the highly complex nature of dispatching. I am eternally grateful to him. While at the Radio Room, I became acquainted with a wonderful woman named Lori Douglass. She guided me through the process of promoting to the newly created position of Crime Analyst. If not for her, I would never have entered the profession I did. Lori, I can never thank you enough.
I have worked with some amazing sworn supervisors. Robert Pettit, my first DB Sergeant at Firestone Station, took me under his wing and helped me understand the technology of crime fighting and how to assist patrol and detectives. He was a “cop’s cop,” and his leadership touched thousands of deputies and even officers in other departments, as he later became chief of police of at least two other departments. Bob, thank you.
Another amazing leader at Norwalk Station was a big, tall intimidating guy named John Aerts. I really had a rough time with him at first, and it was definitely mutual. But he pushed me in ways that helped me so much. While rough and gruff to many, he had a huge heart and truly cared about his people.
The same could be said about the best cop I ever met in the Sheriff’s Department, Kevin Lloyd. Kevin cared about his folks and the citizens he was sworn to protect. I know he’s looking down on us from Heaven, continuing his watchful eye on us.
I was truly blessed to have several amazing Crime Analysis supervisors. If I had to narrow it down to three, they would be Lisa Marie Morrissette, Teresa Husseon and Henry Gill. All three could easily slide into the Crime Analysis job in a second, but each grew into an amazing leader. It was not always so easy between Lisa Marie and me. She was a perfectionist, and there were times when I did not rise to her expectations. She was firm, but kind, and I could not be more grateful. Teresa was my supervisor through COVID and as I began having more and more difficulty getting to work. She had tremendous compassion, and the Department is blessed to have her. Henry, my final supervisor, made sure that my last year, dealing with all the legal complexities of pending retirement, was handled with dignity and class. I am so lucky to have known him.
Finally, my last two Detective Bureau Sergeants — Paul Gonzales and Dave Pantoja. These two amazingly compassionate ELA guys saw that I was having an increasingly difficult time getting to work and keeping up. Age was rearing its ugly head. They allowed me to adjust my schedule — when they didn’t have to. They allowed me to work a lighter load — when they didn’t have to. I believe they both have moved on and promoted — very well deserved. So often, when we think the Department got things wrong, we also see the Department get things right. I love that so much, recently, has gone right.
It has been an ultimate honor to serve on the PPOA Board, but also an incredible honor to serve under six Sheriffs and work more assignments than I can even count.
Finally, a quote. Articles like this always need quotes!
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go.” — Buddha
Please feel free to reach out to me at LAHistoryWriter@gmail.com if any of you need anything.