LAPD and L.A. Lose a Hero : For four decades, Jesse Brewer fought for a better police force and city

A good man and a fine police officer for all of Los Angeles died Sunday. Over nearly four decades, Jesse A. Brewer rose through the ranks--despite formidable racial and political obstacles--to become assistant chief of the Police Department. The highest-ranking African American in the history of the department at that time, he could have rested on his victories. Instead, he worked hard to improve the troubled LAPD.

After he retired--a couple of days before the infamous police beating of Rodney G. King--Brewer continued to push for reform. During the Christopher Commission hearings, he testified in brutally honest detail about the LAPD’s racism, poor discipline and excessive use of force. His most important work was behind the scenes, acting as a bridge in conflicts between the community and LAPD factions. He was an artful facilitator who soothed tensions and bruised egos and then shunned credit for his achievements.

Too bad Brewer never became chief. He always said that time, and age, were against him.

Then-Mayor Tom Bradley appointed him to the city Police Commission, of which Brewer became president. No ordinary political appointee, Brewer brought a keen insider’s perspective to the commission. He knew how the LAPD operated and he knew how to advance reform in spite of police brass happy with the woeful status quo.

Jesse Brewer, 74, could have spent his retirement playing with his grandchildren instead of continuing to serve his city. His courageous and informed leadership will be missed at Parker Center. Brewer: Champion of reform and bridge to the community.