Death of LAPD Deputy Chief

Los Angeles: It is with great sadness and regret that the Los Angeles Police Department announces the death of 53 year-old Deputy Chief Kenneth O. Garner, Commanding Officer, South Bureau.

Chief Garner passed away suddenly this morning at his home.  “Deputy Chief Garner began his career with the Department over three decades ago and served the community with both distinction and honor.  All of us mourn his passing but take comfort in the knowledge that he lived his life well and helped countless others along the way,” said Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton. 

Deputy Chief Garner was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on June 6, 1977.  As a police officer his assignments included Southwest Area, 77th Street Area, Central Area, 77th Street Area Vice, and Southeast Area. Upon promotion to Sergeant in 1986 his assignments included Central Area, Operations South Bureau C.R.A.S.H., 77th Street Area, Internal Affairs Division, and Operations South Bureau as a Commander's Aide. After being promoted to Lieutenant he was assigned to Wilshire Area and then South Traffic Division as a Watch Commander.

Upon being promoted to Captain in 1998, Garner was assigned as the Commanding Officer of Foothill Detective Division, then South Traffic Division and later became the Commanding Officer of Foothill Area.  As Commanding Officer of Transit Bus Division he oversaw a command of 124 sworn and 4 civilian personnel.  On October 2, 2005, Chief of Police William J. Bratton promoted Garner to the rank of Commander of Personnel Group where he oversaw all personnel matters within the Department including hiring of sworn and civilian Department members, reserve officer recruitment and assignment, all workers compensation issues and personnel record keeping.

On July 1, 2007, a month after he celebrated his 30 years with LAPD, Garner was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief.  He was assigned as the Commanding Officer of Operations-West Bureau where he oversaw all the police operations in the following Areas: Hollywood, Wilshire, West Los Angeles, Pacific and West Traffic Division. 

On March 2, 2008, Deputy Chief Garner came home to the community where he grew up and spent most of his early years in life.  He assumed command of Operations-South Bureau.
Deputy Chief Garner was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  He is survived by his daughter, his mother and father and a large loving family.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

Comments

[mv]

Chief Garner was a great man and a true friend. I will miss him. God Bless you Kenny. May you rest in peace.

[Michael Apodaca LAPD RETIRED]

If you didn't know Kenny you missed a really great guy. Myself, LAPD, and so many others will miss him.

[Dominika (isis89)]

R.I.P. :(

[J Q Public]

Rest in peace, Chief.

[Karen]

Deputy Chief Garner was a true humanitarian and leader. God bless you and I know that He is pleased with your work on the police department. Thank-you for being a great source of support and understanding for other people's plight. I was fortunate enough to be present when you helped many community members and their families. A change did occur by your presence as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department.