Funeral arrangements for Deputy Chief Garner

 
Viewing:
Sunday, March 8, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fellowship Center at Crenshaw Christian Center
7901 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca 90044

Memorial Service:
Monday, March 9, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Faith Dome-Sanctuary
7901 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca 90044

Internment:
Immediately following the Memorial Service-

Rose Hills Cemetery
3888 Workman Mill
Whittier, Ca

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

[ANA MARIA RODRIGUEZ]

I AM A FRIEND OF KENNETH GARNER, FOR 21 YEARS, AND HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED, OUR FRIENDSHIP THO SOMEWHAT GAPPY, HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND TO ME, AND MY SONS, WE WOULD TALK ON THE PHONE ABOUT GOOD MUSIC, HE WAS AN AVID LOVER OF MUSIC AND POETRY, HE WOULD READ BEAUTIFUL POEMS TO ME. KENNETH YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, AND I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, TAKE CARE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE AND YOUR NEW PATH TO PEACE, DEDICATED TO YOU 10,000 MILES BY MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER. LOVE ANA.

[Wives Behind the Badge, Inc.]

We would like to send our warmest regards and deepest condolences to the family, friends and department of Deputy Chief Kenneth Garner. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult and sad time. Rest in Peace, Deputy Chief Garner and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members & Staff

[Mark Pompano]

I was saddened to hear of Deputy Chief Ken Garner's untimely passing at such a young age. Chief Garner was perhaps the LAPD's biggest cheerleader, and it goes without saying that his recruitment efforts are the reason why the LAPD is finally approaching 10,000 sworn officers. Most importantly though, Chief Garner was a man of integrity. He understood what true leadership meant, and he applied its principles daily. Chief Garner stood by his officers, especially those of us assigned to patrol, in both good times and bad. Chief Garner was a true leader. God bless Ken, you will surely be missed.

[Uletas Greene Carter]

I was shocked and profoundly grieved to hear about the untimely death of Kenny. I feel privileged to have counted Kenny as a friend who embaced me with words of hope and encouragement during one of the darkest hours of my life. He was a caring and compassionate human being. My heartfelt condolences are with the family during this difficult time. The world has lost someone very special.

[Al Murray]

I was too was stunned by the loss of Deputy Chief Ken Garner. Ken was a great man. We attended the Senior Management Institute for Police together in 2001. I last saw Ken at a jazz concert this summer but we talked often. God Bless you Ken. You will truly be missed.