Veteran Newport Policeman Dies

Justin Allen (Al) Epstein, a 28-year Newport Beach police officer who received numerous letters of commendation over the years, died of leukemia Sunday at age 63 at Hoag Hospital, the police department announced Thursday.

Epstein started on the force in 1953 as a patrol officer and later worked as a detective in the burglary and narcotics sections. But a department spokesman said he is best remembered for his long hours of effort in the vice and intelligence section, where he served eight years until his retirement in 1981.

He won Officer of the Year honors in 1967. Then-Chief James Glavas lauded him, saying, “I know of no one in this department . . . who has exhibited more dedication and more enthusiasm for their work.”

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mount Sinai Mortuary and Memorial Park, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.