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LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE CHIEF PATRICK GANNON IS SWORN IN BY CONGRESSMEMBER JANICE HAHN 

(Los Angeles, California – May 9, 2013) Senior officials from federal, state and local law enforcement, military, and airports recently witnessed U.S. Congressmember Janice Hahn (44th District-CA) administer the oath of office to Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon. The appointment and swearing in of Chief Gannon was celebrated at the Flight Path Learning Center and Museum at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

The Los Angeles Airport Police Honor Guard began the ceremony by posting the colors and the Transportation Security Administration-LAX (TSA) Choir performed the national anthem. Airport police Chaplain Timothy Cheatwood offered a prayer. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Deputy Executive Director of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Services Arif Alikhan said, “On behalf of the over 1,100 civilian personnel and sworn officers of the LAWA Police Division, we are very fortunate to have Pat Gannon join the LAWA team and rejoin the City of Los Angeles family after 34 years of distinguished service.“ Congressmember Hahn presented Chief Gannon a Certificate of Special Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate the event and to recognize Chief Gannon for his service to the public.

Congressmember Hahn told Chief Gannon, “The men and women in this department, that you are about to lead, are some of the finest. We have charged them with an incredible mission to keep LAWA’s three airports, the traveling public, and air cargo safe. They are truly lucky to have such a fine leader leading them.” She continued, “I congratulate you and you know you have my support.”

Congressmember Hahn also welcomed the Scott family and said “I am wearing the pin that commemorates Tommy Scott and the life he lived, and the bravery he showed, which is evident in all of our Airport Police.”

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Charlie Beck recounted his experience with Chief Gannon as a partner throughout both their careers with LAPD. He described Chief Gannon as “the most compassionate, honest, straight-forward, intelligent, and well-thought individual I have ever worked with.” LAPD Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger said of Chief Gannon, “Congratulations to all of you at LAWA. You have gotten yourself a gem. Not too long, you will reap the benefits of his leadership.”

In his remarks, Chief Gannon thanked all of Airport Police in helping to make his transition easier and described Airport Police employees as “a tremendous group of professionals who work to keep our airports safe and secure.” He added, “Our responsibility as Airport Police is that we are going to be, if we are not already, the best aviation law-enforcement agency in America.” He said he believes “Los Angeles Airport Police Division has greatness and can achieve enormous things if everyone pulls together and sees challenges as opportunities and not as obstacles to success.” 

He also thanked Airport Police Assistant Chiefs Ethel McGuire, Michael Hyams and Brian Walker; police and fire captains; division administrative staff, and officers in the rank-and-file who have embraced his mission and pushed it forward. 

Chief Gannon also expressed gratitude to the family of Officer Tommy Scott, who served four years with Airport Police before losing his life in the line of duty in 2005. He said, “The sacrifice the Scott family has made for the good of the City of Los Angeles and the good of this region in losing their precious son makes it a privilege to work with the family. They are such positive people that it makes us much more positive.” 

Deputy Executive Director Alikhan officially swore in Chief Gannon on November 26, 2012, shortly after his appointment to the post. Since that time, the chief has accomplished several goals, including the establishment of “vertical staff meetings” with both civilian and sworn employees. At the end of last Friday on his 100th day in office, the chief outlined additional goals, including: assigning specific missions and strategies; community policing; managing large incidents; and Airport Police Division becoming a leader in aviation law enforcement.

The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the nation's premier aviation law-enforcement agency with over 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International, and Van Nuys airports.

(Center): U.S. Congressmember Janice Hanh (44th District-CA), Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon,

(Left to Right) Assistant Chief Brian Walker, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Assitant Chiefs Michael Hyams and Ethel McGuire,

and Los Angeles World Airports Deputy Executive Director for Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Arif Alikhan