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Photos: Last SWAT officer from North Hollywood shootout retires

LAPD Deputy Chief Richard A. Roupoli, left, on Friday gets a hug from retiring SWAT supervisor Sgt. Steve Gomez at department headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Gomez was the last SWAT officer involved in the infamous 1997 North Hollywood bank shootout to retire. Two bank robbers died and 11 officers and seven civilians were wounded in the heist.

LAPD Deputy Chief Richard A. Roupoli, left, on Friday gets a hug from retiring SWAT supervisor Sgt. Steve Gomez at department headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Gomez was the last SWAT officer involved in the infamous 1997 North Hollywood bank shootout to retire. Two bank robbers died and 11 officers and seven civilians were wounded in the heist.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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Gomez was presented with this badge at his retirement ceremony Friday.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Steve Gomez and family

Gomez shares a light moment with his wife, Jeri Gomez, center. At left is the couple’s 22-year-old daughter, Jamie.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Steve Gomez

Gomez wipes away tears near the end of his retirement ceremony.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Steve Gomez

Gomez, accompanied by his wife, Jeri, and daughter, Jamie, shakes hands with officers at his retirement ceremony in downtown Los Angeles.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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