Architect of 1984 Olympic Games Security Appointed Deputy Chief

Cmdr. William M. Rathburn, who designed the extensive security system for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, was named a deputy chief Monday by Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates.

Rathburn, 46, who becomes one of four deputy chiefs, replaces Lew Ritter, who has retired to head security for the California Lottery. Rathburn will be in charge of personnel and training.

For the past 15 months, Rathburn has headed the support services bureau, responsible for communications, planning, research and jail facilities.

He spent five years developing security for the Olympics and was named Police Officer of the Year last October by the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police and Parade magazine.

Gates has termed his Olympics work “the accomplishment of the century in law enforcement.”

The Georgia-born Rathburn joined the Police Department in 1963. He became a captain in 1976 and a commander in 1979. He attended the University of Mississippi, Cerritos College, Pepperdine University and USC, where he obtained a master’s degree in public administration.

The La Habra Heights resident is married and has three children.