Sergeant Gil Smith retired in 1978 after serving 37 years in the Long Beach Police Department, but beginning today, the longest-riding motor officer in the Department’s history will forever be on duty. A bronze bust of Sgt. Smith will be placed in the lobby of the Downtown Police Station today.
The bust was unveiled a few weeks ago at the Motor Centennial Dinner, which celebrated the department’s 100th anniversary. Click here for a YouTube video of the bust’s unveiling.
The MPA commissioned artist Thomas Marsh to create the sculpture, which will be mounted in the lobby of the Downtown Station at 11:00am this morning. Sgt. Smith’s family will be in attendance, along with motor officers and members of the Long Beach Historical Society.
Still the longest serving rider in the department’s 100 years, Smith was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for saving the life of a fellow soldier during his time with the Army during World War II. Smith joined the Long Beach Police Department upon returning home, and joined the motor patrol four years later. After 33 years of riding, Sgt. Smith hung up his boots. He passed away 28 years to the day after retiring, but beginning today, Sergeant Gil Smith will forever keep watch over the Long Beach Police Department.