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Sunday, Aug 16, 2009
Councilwoman Hahn Participates in Deputy Chief Kenny Garner Dedication
August 16, 2009
It is hard to find meaning in the untimely passing of such a unique, and wonderful individual as Deputy Chief Kenny Garner.
But Kenny certainly filled his short 53 years in the world with a great deal of meaning. What I liked most about Kenny, other than the fact that he was a local boy that attended San Pedro High School, was his ability to become a part of the community.
Even after attaining the high rank of Deputy Chief, he always took the time to travel to community meetings just to make sure that he stayed connected. I’ve often said, he was a deputy chief who behaved like a senior lead officer. He regularly attended community meetings in Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and Watts - in fact, he attended the Watts Gang Task Force meeting just a week before he died—and his death has been very hard on our entire group.
Kenny served as a great example and role model to younger officers. Not only was he straight-forward and honest, he was also understanding and compassionate. He volunteered to coach and mentor young people and received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the progress of African Americans in the City of Los Angeles.
Kenny’s passing was a huge loss for the entire City of Los Angeles and for everyone who knew him. The LAPD truly lost one of its very finest. Any officer in the LAPD would do well to model themselves after Kenny Garner. He was one of the great ones, and we will continue to miss him dearly. In dedicating the terrace at the 77th Street Community Police Station to him, we have ensured that he will never be forgotten.
Posted at 12:00 AM