Services Planned for Former Police Officer

A former Placentia police officer died this week after grappling with major health problems caused by an on-duty traffic accident in 1989, the department announced Friday.

Former investigator Joey Little was granted a medical retirement in March 1992, three years after suffering major body and brain injuries when a car running a red light slammed into his car, according to Lt. David Taylor.

Little was the department’s personnel officer at the time of the accident, and had worked as a field training officer, detective and sergeant after joining the department in October 1978, police said.

Little’s immune system and strength were battered by his injuries, and he was besieged by a series of infections and ailments in recent years, Taylor said.

“He was a great guy who fought as long as he could,” said Taylor, who was among the officers at the crash scene in 1989.

Little, 40, is survived by his wife, Diane, and their three children, Casie, Keith and Kelly.

A trust fund has been set up for the family’s benefit, police said. Checks can be made out to the Joey Little Trust Account and sent to the Bank of Yorba Linda at 18206 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda, CA 92886.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Ave. Visitation will be Monday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the family said.