LBPD Headquarters
File photo

A retired Long Beach police sergeant shot and killed himself in the parking lot of the department’s east division substation Wednesday morning, according to the authorities.

Police identified the sergeant as Don Campbell, a 60-year-old Lakewood resident.

Campbell retired from the LBPD in December 2017, according to an email sent by the Long Beach Police Officers Association, the union that represents officers.

Officers found Campbell with a gunshot wound shortly after 10:47 a.m. when they were called to a suicide outside the substation at Willow Street and Grand Avenue, the LBPD said in a statement.

Prior to his retirement, Campbell had worked at the department for 28 years, according to the union.

“Don was a truly respected friend, peer, mentor and supervisor to many throughout his career. He will be greatly missed,” the email said.

Campbell received dozens of commendations and awards during his time at the department, including the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for peace officers, according to the email.

Campbell has a wife and children, union officials said.

“Please keep Don’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” they wrote in the email.

Long Beach police have asked the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to help with the investigation so officers can grieve, according to the LBPD.

Jeremiah Dobruck is managing editor of the Long Beach Post. Reach him at [email protected] or @jeremiahdobruck on Twitter.